Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin ReportRiyadh (Saudi Arabia): Sergio Conceicao wants to make an excellent first impression on fans in Riyadh for his opening match as AC Milan manager in the EA Sports FC Italian Supercup semi-final versus Juventus.The Portuguese, who replaced compatriot Paulo Fonseca in charge at the beginning of the week, is in the unique situation of spending his debut competing against son Francisco Conceicao, who plays as a winger for Juventus.However, speaking at the pre-match press conference for the semi-final at Al Awwal Park in Riyadh on Friday at 10pm, Conceicao says family feelings will stop for 90 minutes with full focus on reaching Monday’s final.Conceicao said: “We have a huge responsibility which is defending the colours of one of the most historical clubs in football. We have a strong fan base, not only here but also elsewhere globally and we will do our best to make our supporters happy and proud. We have to play aggressively against Juventus. Our goal is to penetrate Juventus’ defence as a complete team, not by relying on individual players. Having my son on the opposing team won’t affect me. My goal is clear: to win like I do in any other match. There is no place for feelings on the field. There are many Portuguese players and coaches here in Saudi. It’s a league that is growing a lot and quickly. We can literally feel the passion for football and the will to grow. Many important players are contributing to this evolution.”Motta said: “Thank you very much for the hospitality. We are in a very pleasant environment to do our job and give our best. We must be able to not let the change in AC Milan leadership influence us. We are ready for everything; we must be the main character. Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli added: “It has been great hospitality; we have been hosted in a very pleasant way. Juventus is supported around the world, and this motivates us to win. The Saudi league is developing, it has improved a lot. They invested very well, and it will grow even more internationally.”Maignan said: “It’s a very important game for us as players, management, and as a fan base. Me and my team-mates made a pact that moving forward we will do our best. We have high ambitions, will keep doing our best and need to be cautious and follow the coach’s instructions.”

Riyadh (Saudi Arabia): Te Saudi Pro League (SPL) has announced its preparations for the upcoming 2024/25 winter transfer window, which will run from January 1 to January 30, 2025. These preparations highlight the league’s commitment to supporting clubs by facilitating player transfers, improving governance and planning, ensuring player welfare, and enhancing financial sustainability.The SPL held a series of intensive workshops with its member clubs to assess their specific needs and objectives for the winter transfer window. These workshops aim to provide tailored support to clubs, enabling them to continue achieving success on and off the pitch. This includes facilitating transfers between clubs within the league.During the 2024 summer transfer window, clubs utilised 16 of the 36 available slots for foreign players under the age of 21. Thirteen clubs signed at least one U21 foreign player, while five clubs did not make any signings in this category. The remaining slots provide opportunities for further reinforcements during the winter window.Additionally, all 18 clubs reached the maximum allowance of eight foreign players over the age of 21 per squad by the end of the summer transfer window. Consequently, new signings in this category during the winter window will require clubs to terminate contracts, sell players, or deregister squad members. The SPL will work closely with clubs and the Financial Sustainability Committee to ensure compliance with league policies and regulations.Key outcomes from the 2024/25 summer transfer window include:Average player age decrease: The average player age in the league dropped from 27.6 years to 26.2 years, reflecting a focus on younger talent acquisition.Player movements: A total of 115 domestic players were registered, while 132 departed due to end of contracts, sales, or contract terminations. Meanwhile, 101 foreign players joined the league, and 32 foreign players departed due to end of contracts, sales, or contract terminations.The SPL reiterated that it remains dedicated to fostering transparency and collaboration with clubs while continuing to enhance the league’s competitiveness and organizational excellence.As part of its transformation strategy, the SPL aims to position the Saudi Pro League among the world’s leading football leagues. This strategy focuses on five main pillars:•                    Developing & attracting elite talent•                    Build genuine connections with fans and communities•                    Elevate all clubs•                    Expand reach and revenue•                    Drive economic and societal impact

Islamabad (PR): Gerry's Diplomatic Football League Season-8 kicked off with a series of exciting matches in the capital city Islamabad. The Season 8 of the Gerry's Diplomatic Football League is marking a vibrant start with some thrilling matches.A total of 18 teams are competing in the league, divided into two groups, battling through the league stage to secure spots in the knockout rounds. In Group B, MOFA, Big Bird, and Central Asia United are leading the pack with six points each, showcasing strong early performances.Meanwhile, in Group A, Trio Homes and Nigeriaare setting the pace as group leaders.The league has attracted the diplomatic community in Islamabad where more than 25 different nationalities are participating, with approximately 280 players contributing to the international camaraderie and competitive spirit.Event is being hosted at Iqra University, the official venue partner for the tournament. The event will culminate in a grand final at the end of February next year 2025. The league is proudly title-sponsored by Gerry's and powered by RBS, with additional sponsorship from Trio Homes, Jupi Media and Tours, Joma, and Alamco Duty-Free.The event is organized by its founder, Mubasher Sanjrani, CEO of Sanjrani Oxen Enterprises, who is also participating in the league as a representative of Joma United. The league continues to be a platform for fostering international relations, sportsmanship, and community engagement.The Diplomatic Football League has undoubtedly established itself as one of the most renowned and highly anticipated events among diplomats in Pakistan. Its growing popularity not only highlights the enthusiasm for sports within the diplomatic community but also serves as a testament to the friendly and peaceful image of Pakistan.The Diplomatic league fosters unity, mutual respect, and cultural exchange, showcasing Pakistan as a welcoming host and a hub for international camaraderie. Events like these underline the country's commitment to diplomacy through sports and strengthen its position as a promoter of global peace and cooperation. 

Sports Bulletin ReportDoha (Qatar): Pakistan and Saudi Arabia played out a 1-1 draw in a thrilling FIFA Women's International Friendly match held in Aspire Academy, Doha, Qatar. The match saw both teams put up a strong fight, with Saudi Arabia taking the lead in the first half before Pakistan responded late to level the score. Saudi Arabia had the upper hand at halftime, leading 1-0. The breakthrough for the Saudi team came in the 39th minute when Talah Alghamdi found the back of the net, giving her side a crucial lead going into the break. However, Pakistan made a spirited comeback in the second half. In the 88th minute, Pakistan's Sohai Herani delivered a stunning equalizer off a well-executed corner kick. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with both teams sharing the spoils after an intense encounter.

ISLAMABAD (Sports Desk): Following the much-anticipated draw that revealed the eight groups that comprise the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, football fans around the world now also know exactly where and when to follow their clubs at FIFA's new global club showpiece which is taking place in the United States from Saturday, 14 June to Sunday, 13 July 2025.FIFA has published the 63-game match schedule with dates and kick-off times for the groundbreaking tournament, revealing a tantalizing set of fixtures for the 32 club teams that will aim to become the first ever champions of world football’s inaugural elite club competition.It has also been decided that the opening match will be a stand-alone fixture, with the host country’s representative, Inter Miami CF, kicking off the new FIFA Club World Cup™ in style at their hometown 65,500-seat Hard Rock Stadium against Al Ahly FC on Saturday, 14 June 2025 at 21:00 local time. MetLife Stadium in New York New Jersey will not only see the new FIFA Club World Cup Trophy lifted on Sunday, 13 July 2025, but will also host the two semi-finals and one of the quarter-finals.FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: “The paths for the 32 teams have been set and we now know at what time and where, among 12 top-class stadiums, we will enjoy the 48 exciting group stage clashes. Together with another 15 matches in the knockout stage, this match schedule sets 63 dates in the diary of every football fan – those living in the US, traveling from abroad to these beautiful cities to support their clubs, or following live and for free from every corner of the world via DAZN and FIFA+.“This match schedule is much more than a list of thrilling fixtures involving the best clubs in the world – it shows that club football can, and will be, truly global. Let’s take it to the world.” 

ISLAMABAD (Sports Desk): FIFA has announced the shortlist of nominees for The Best FIFA Football Awards™ 2024, which will recognise the leading lights in another thrilling year of women’s and men’s football at both club and national-team levels.Voting is now open on FIFA.com across a number of award categories, with fans set to play a key role in choosing the winners. Voting for The Best FIFA Men’s Player, The Best FIFA Women’s Player, The Best FIFA Men’s Coach, The Best FIFA Women’s Coach, The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper and The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper will be equally weighted between fans, the current captains and coaches of all women’s/men’s national teams, and media representatives.The winner of the FIFA Fan Award will be chosen entirely by fans, while the recipient of the FIFA Fair Play Award will be decided by an expert panel. Voting for the new FIFA Marta Award and the FIFA Puskás Award will be split equally between fans and a panel of FIFA Legends.The biggest change in terms of voting for this year’s edition of The Best FIFA Football Awards is that fans will have their say in selecting The Best FIFA Men’s 11 and The Best FIFA Women’s 11. They will be able to choose from a list of 77 nominated players – 22 defenders, midfielders and forwards apiece, plus 11 goalkeepers – slotting them into one of several preset tactical formations to build their team. Votes will be weighted equally between fans and an expert panel.The FIFA Puskás Award has been redefined as being bestowed on the scorer of the best goal in men’s football regardless of championship or nationality. To honour the best goal scored in women’s football in any league around the world, the FIFA Marta Award, named after the Brazilian legend, will be presented for the very first time.The Best FIFA Women’s Player nomineesAitana Bonmatí (Spain), BarcelonaBarbra Banda (Zambia), Shanghai Shengli/Orlando PrideCaroline Graham Hansen (Norway), BarcelonaKeira Walsh (England), BarcelonaKhadija Shaw (Jamaica), Manchester CityLauren Hemp (England), Manchester CityLindsey Horan (USA), Olympique LyonnaisLucy Bronze (England), Barcelona/ChelseaMallory Swanson (USA), Chicago Red StarsMariona Caldentey (Spain), Barcelona/ArsenalNaomi Girma (USA), San Diego WaveOna Batlle (Spain), BarcelonaSalma Paralluelo (Spain), BarcelonaSophia Smith (USA), Portland ThornsTabitha Chawinga (Malawi), Paris Saint-Germain/Olympique LyonnaisTrinity Rodman (USA), Washington SpiritThe Best FIFA Men’s Player nomineesDani Carvajal (Spain), Real MadridErling Haaland (Norway), Manchester CityFederico Valverde (Uruguay), Real MadridFlorian Wirtz (Germany), Bayer LeverkusenJude Bellingham (England), Real MadridKylian Mbappé (France), Paris Saint-Germain/Real MadridLamine Yamal (Spain), BarcelonaLionel Messi (Argentina), Inter MiamiRodri (Spain), Manchester CityToni Kroos (Germany), Real Madrid (now retired)Vinícius Jr (Brazil), Real MadridThe Best FIFA Women’s Coach nomineesArthur Elias (Brazil), BrazilElena Sadiku (Sweden), CelticEmma Hayes (England), Chelsea/USAFutoshi Ikeda (Japan), JapanGareth Taylor (England), Manchester CityJonatan Giráldez (Spain), Barcelona/Washington SpiritSandrine Soubeyrand (France), Paris FCSonia Bompastor (France), Olympique Lyonnais/ChelseaThe Best FIFA Men’s Coach nomineesCarlo Ancelotti (Italy), Real MadridLionel Scaloni (Argentina), ArgentinaLuis de la Fuente (Spain), SpainPep Guardiola (Spain), Manchester CityXabi Alonso (Spain), Bayer LeverkusenThe Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper nomineesAlyssa Naeher (USA), Chicago Red StarsAnn-Katrin Berger (Germany), Chelsea/NJ/NY GothamAyaka Yamashita (Japan), INAC Kobe Leonessa/Manchester CityCata Coll (Spain), BarcelonaMary Earps (England), Manchester United/Paris Saint-GermainThe Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper nomineesAndriy Lunin (Ukraine), Real MadridDavid Raya (Spain), ArsenalEderson (Brazil), Manchester CityEmiliano Martínez (Argentina), Aston VillaGianluigi Donnarumma (Italy), Paris Saint-GermainMike Maignan (France), AC MilanUnai Simón (Spain), Athletic Club.

Riyadh (Saudi Arabia): The Saudi Pro League (SPL) and OneFootball have announced a new partnership aimed at expanding the global visibility of one of the world’s fastest-growing football leagues. Through this collaboration, the SPL will publish and amplify official video and editorial content across OneFootball, bringing fans closer to the action worldwide than ever before.As part of this partnership, OneFootball will feature video content across its platforms, including content from the SPL’s official social channels. Fans can look forward to engaging match clips, highlights, behind-the-scenes footage, and viral moments in vertical and horizontal formats. This initiative aims to enhance the fan experience by providing compelling visual narratives throughout the season.In addition to video content, OneFootball will offer official editorial coverage from the SPL in English, ensuring that fans can access timely updates, in-depth analysis, and expert commentary throughout the season.Omar Mugharbel, CEO of the Saudi Pro League, said: “We are delighted to partner with OneFootball to bring Saudi Pro League content to football fans across the globe. This collaboration is an important step in our commitment to increasing international engagement and providing fans everywhere with a closer connection to the excitement and passion of Saudi football.”Patrick Fischer, CEO at OneFootball, said: “We are thrilled to partner with the Saudi Pro League to showcase the incredible talent and excitement of football in the region. This collaboration will elevate the league’s content and enhance the overall fan experience, bringing the vibrant world of Saudi football to a wider audience.”In a dynamic start to their new collaboration, representatives from OneFootball recently travelled to Saudi Arabia to cover the Saudi Pro League’s highly anticipated 'Derby Week,' attending the 'Sea Derby' in Jeddah between Al Ittihad and Al Ahli, as well as the 'Capital Derby' in Riyadh, featuring Al Nassr versus Al Hilal. OneFootball’s on-ground presence brought fans closer to the action with exclusive social media content, behind-the-scenes moments, and in-depth interviews with league representatives, managers, and players, delivering unparalleled insights into one of the most thrilling weeks in Saudi football and showcasing the exciting potential of this groundbreaking partnership.OneFootball will be a primary outlet for publishing the SPL's official text and video content, leveraging its extensive reach to amplify the league's visibility across global audiences. The strategic collaboration aims to enhance global coverage of the SPL by integrating official content into OneFootball’s ecosystem, enhancing fan engagement and fostering a deeper connection between the league and its supporters (Press Release). 

Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: Haque Academy have won the title of the 3rd Under-16 Girls Inter-School Football Championship, organized by Diya Women’s Football Academy at the KMC Sports Complex Maidaan.The event saw enthusiastic participation from 10 teams representing various schools across Karachi, showcasing remarkable talent and competitive spirit throughout the tournament. The final match between SMB Fatima Red and Haque Academy proved to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams demonstrating exceptional skill and aggressive play. In a nail-biting finish, Haque Academy emerged victorious with a 2-1 to lift the title. Aster School claimed the third place. The Fair Play Trophy was awarded to SMB Black for their exemplary sportsmanship and discipline throughout the competition.In terms of individual performances, Eshal Zain, and Fatima were recognized as the Best Goalkeepers for their outstanding skills. The top goal scorer awards were presented to Harmain Shaukat Javeria Jawad and Best Player Awards were given to Sofia Asif Haque, Romaan, Maryam and Ifrah Khurshid for their excellent all round abilities. They impressed both spectators and coaches with their exceptional game play and leadership on the field.At the closing ceremony, the event organizers, Dr. Saadia Sheikh and Naila Sheikh, distributed trophies to the first four teams and Individual Awards to the best players. The tournament was played in connection with Orange the World " A Future Free From Gender Based Violence"  

LAHORE (PR): The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has announced the completion of its contract with Stephen Constantine, head coach of the Pakistan Men’s Football Team.Appointed by the Haroon Malik-led Pakistan Football Federation Normalisation Committee as Head Coach in September 2023, Stephen Constantine guided Pakistan to a historic achievement with its first-ever victory in the first round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, securing a 1-0 win over Cambodia at Islamabad's Jinnah Stadium.In a heartfelt message, Stephen Constantine said: "I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the PFF for entrusting me with the incredible opportunity to lead the Pakistan National Team through some of its most historic achievements. The unforgettable scenes at Jinnah Sports Stadium on October 17, 2023—when our 1-0 victory over Cambodia secured Pakistan’s first-ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers—will forever be etched in memory. To my staff—every individual on and off the pitch—you were phenomenal. Few will ever truly understand the level of commitment and sacrifice you poured into this journey. Your dedication was invaluable to our mission, and it was an honor to lead alongside you. Thank you for everything you did for me, the team, and the country."In a message to the fans, he said: "To the people of Pakistan—the fans, and everyone who cares deeply about football—it has been a privilege to lead the Shaheens over the past year. Your support from beginning to end has meant everything to us, and I am grateful to each of you. To the players—you achieved something unparalleled for Pakistan Football, and you did it with heart and style. You made history, and you reignited hope for 250 million people who believe in Pakistan Football once more."Chairman NC, Haroon Malik said: “PFF and the football community will forever remember his World Cup qualifier match victory. His invaluable contributions to Pakistani football left an indelible mark in history” 

Islamabad (Sports Desk): Thirty-two qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 26™, 47 for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025, 79 Nations League matches and 17 friendlies were played during the recent international window, making October 2024 a particularly busy month of football and one that has led to a number of changes in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking.The top three teams are also bunching up. Argentina (1st) are still on top, but their lead over France (2nd) and Spain (3rd) has been cut. England (4th), Brazil (5th) and Belgium (6th) have all held on to their positions. Portugal (7th, up 1) and Italy (9th, up 1) are the only climbers within the top ten, which is completed by the Netherlands (8th, down 1) and Colombia (10th, down 1), with Germany (11th, up 2) now knocking on the door.Elsewhere, Algeria (37th, up 4), Peru (38th, up 5) and Greece (42nd, up 6) have all made moves worthy of note, and Cameroon (49th, up 4) have returned to the top 50. Other African teams to have made significant progress in the ranking include Equatorial Guinea (88th, up 6), Zimbabwe (117th, up 7), The Gambia (128th, up 7) and Botswana (140th, up 7), the last of whom, the Zebras, have posted the biggest jump overall in terms of points gained (up 38.30 points).There is further cause for celebration for Africa as two other CAF teams have climbed the most places (ten) in this edition of the ranking, namely Comoros (108th) and Sudan (110th), who came out on top against Tunisia and Ghana, respectively, in their recent home-and-away duels as part of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifiers.