Sports Bulletin

RIYADH (Sports News): Following a historic promotion to the top tier of Saudi football, Diriyah Club have announced their arrival in the Roshn Saudi League (RSL) with a strong statement of intent, both on the pitch and in the transfer market.To equip themselves for the demands of the RSL, the Diriyah-based outfit strengthened their squad impressively and appointed an elite manager in Bruno Lage, a Primeira Liga title winner in Portugal with Benfica who has also coached Wolverhampton Wanderers in the English Premier League.Headline additions to the team include Uruguay international, and former Liverpool striker, Darwin Nunez on loan from Al Hilal, French midfielder Enzo Millot on loan from AFC Champions League Elite holders Al Ahli, and ex-Everton and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye following his summer exploits with Senegal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The early signs have been encouraging: Diriyah Club have won three and drawn two of their opening seven RSL matches to head into the international break eighth in the table.A key part of their promising start to the season has been the quality and experience of midfielder Gueye, with Senegal’s record appearance-maker determined to bring his leadership and mentality to his new club.Gueye, 36, told the Saudi Pro League: “Throughout my career, I've had to face tough competition, good times as well as bad times. With my experience, I can help the team achieve its goals. But leadership isn't just about saying the right words, it's a behaviour you must show both on and off the pitch. With the help of my teammates, we will do good things and try to take the club as far as possible.”Gueye arrived in the RSL following a trophy-laden career at club and international level. A three-time Ligue 1 winner with Lille and PSG, he was integral to Senegal’s run the final of the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations. In 2022, Gueye was awarded the Grand Officer of the National Order of the Lion, Senegal’s highest recognition.Yet, after 15 years competing at the elite level of European football, Gueye welcomed the opportunity of a fresh challenge in Saudi football.He said: “I felt it was the right time for me because the club has a great project. It's a historic club that has a very close relationship with the history of the Kingdom and its identity. So, it was the right time for me to come here, with the Roshn Saudi League having welcomed many great players, great coaches, and many big personalities.”Leading Gueye and his Diriyah Club teammates is a manager who also knows what it takes to succeed. Installed in July, Lage is now tasked with delivering on the club’s ambitions - and it’s a responsibility the Portuguese is fully embracing.Lage told the Saudi Pro League: “It was a great honour to accept His Highness Prince Khalid bin Mohammed’s offer to join this project and build the foundations of the club.“When I heard about this project, I was sure it was the right step for my career. With my experience, and with the experience of the squad from what they have achieved in the past two years, we are here to improve every area and, ultimately, be the best club we can be.“We know we have a deep history and identity behind us, but at the same time, we have a great vision and ambition in front of us. We are working very hard to build a team that inside the pitch represents the real values of Diriyah.”The cultural and historical significance of the club is certainly recognised by those on the pitch. A hero in last season’s promotion charge, Saudi midfielder Hussain Al Qahtani believes representing Diriyah provides unique motivation as his team adapts to the demands of the RSL.Al Qahtani said: “It is an immense feeling of pride to represent Diriyah Club. Diriyah is the birthplace and origin of Saudi Arabia - a place of deep significance for every Saudi citizen. Because of that heritage, there is a massive responsibility on everyone who represents this club and this ecosystem, and we are determined to rise to that challenge.“Our goals have always been big. We achieved our first objective by earning promotion to the Roshn Saudi League. Now, our focus is on taking things step by step, building on our momentum, and securing strong results in the top flight this season.“As players, we have to stay resilient. Success doesn't come without setbacks, injuries, or difficult moments. The key is never to give up, focus on the fundamentals, and set a high standard that inspires the younger generation coming through behind us.”

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: The Pakistan national minifootball team outclassed India 5-0 here in a fixture of the Asian Mini-Football Championship 2026 by showing excellent game.Pakistan had a difficult start to the championship, losing its opening group-stage matches against UAE, Syria and Uzbekistan. However, the team responded strongly, securing a 3-2 victory over Japan before completing an impressive 5-0 win against arch rival India.Despite the early defeats, Pakistan displayed good ball possession and attacking intent throughout its matches. The team created several opportunities but was unable to convert its dominance into goals in the opening games. The victories over Japan and India demonstrated the team's ability to recover and compete strongly at the championship.Mubasher Sanjrani, President of the Pakistan Minifootball Federation, who was also appointed Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee for the championship, praised the team's performance and said said that the team's overall performance was encouraging, but the losses in the initial group matches affected Pakistan's progress in the competition.He noted that the players continued to perform well and showed determination to come back strongly, culminating in victories over Japan and India.He also expressed his gratitude to all the sponsors for their support and collaboration with the Pakistan national minifootball team.Minifootball is gaining popularity among young people in Pakistan. The sport is a small-sided format of football, with six players representing each team, making it an accessible and fast-paced version of the game.The Pakistan team's victories over Japan and India have provided a positive conclusion to its campaign in Jakarta and highlighted the growing interest and potential of minifootball in Pakistan.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (PR): Saudi Pro League (SPL) has launched an innovative new international distribution model that will take live Roshn Saudi League (RSL) matches directly to fans across 16 markets - while enabling approved content creators, clubs, players and third-party platforms to participate in growing the league’s international audience.Marking the SPL’s entry into the rapidly expanding global creator economy, the initiative combines direct-to-consumer broadcasting through SPL-owned channels with a wider network of distribution partners, creating a new approach designed to democratise both access to the RSL and participation in its international growth.Through the new model, fans in selected markets will be able to watch live RSL matches on a pay-per-view basis directly through SPL-owned channels, or receive free, brand-sponsored access in exchange for an agreed action, such as registering or engaging with the sponsoring brand.  RSL players and approved content creators will also be able to promote individual matches and bundles across their own platforms and communities, receiving a share of the revenue they generate, while selected third-party platforms will form part of the wider distribution network. The model is powered by Recast’s monetisation and instant revenue-sharing technology.The new approach sees the SPL expand the traditional relationship between sports properties, their audiences and those who help connect them. By opening distribution to a broader range of approved partners, the league is creating opportunities for those with engaged football audiences to participate directly in expanding the RSL’s reach and share in the value they help generate.The initiative will initially be available across 16 international markets: the United Kingdom, Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Canada, New Zealand, Serbia, South Korea, Malta, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Cyprus and Greece.It represents the latest step in the SPL’s international growth strategy and provides an additional route to reach fans in markets where traditional broadcast distribution may not provide widespread access to live RSL matches.“The way people discover, consume and engage with sport is changing rapidly,” Omar Mugharbel, Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Pro League, said. “Fans are increasingly connected to competitions, clubs and players through digital platforms and the creators and communities they trust.“For generations, sports distribution has largely been a relationship between rights holders and broadcasters. Developments in technology and the growth of the creator economy give us an opportunity to add another dimension to that relationship - one in which a broader network of partners can help connect our football with fans and participate in that growth.“By democratising both access and distribution, we can bring live RSL football closer to international fans while giving approved content creators, our clubs and players, and other distribution partners a genuine stake in helping us reach new audiences.“For the SPL, this is an opportunity to innovate, learn and build new relationships with the people and platforms shaping how sport is discovered and consumed around the world. As we continue to grow internationally, we want to explore new models that bring fans and the league closer together while creating shared value as our international audience expands.”

RIYADH (Saudi Arabia): Following a competitive year for the Saudi Pro League (SPL) in the 2025/26 season, the league’s standout international stars have been recognised by France Football with the inclusion of the Roshn Saudi League (RSL) golden boot winner Julian Quinones and league champion Sadio Mane in the 30-man shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.Mexico forward Quinones was the breakout star for the host nation at this summer’s 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring the opening goal of the tournament in Mexico City, before following it up with a string of impressive performances - and three more goals - as his side reached the Round of 16.Quinones had carried his RSL form onto football’s global showpiece, underlining his remarkable ability to find the back of the net with Al Qadsiah, where he landed the league’s golden boot with 33 goals. With a hat-trick in the final day of the 2025-26 season, Quinones edged out fellow international stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Ivan Toney to secure the award.Referencing the Ballon d’Or nomination after he scored in Al Qadsiah’s 3-2 victory against Al Ahli on Tuesday night, Quinones said: “I’m very proud to have achieved this. I’ve worked hard for this moment and now it has happened.“God’s timing is always perfect. I just try to keep working hard, improving and being the best I can be.”Fellow RSL standout Mane played a pivotal role in Al Nassr’s 2025/26 RSL title triumph, scoring 10 goals and providing six assists as the Riyadh-based club secured its first league title since 2019. Mane also captained Senegal in two major tournaments, helping his nation reach the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and also the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Asked about his Ballon d’Or nod, Mane said following Al Nassr’s 2-1 home victory against Abha on Wednesday night: “The feeling is incredible. I would say thank you to the fans and, of course, to the journalists.“I know many players could have been on the list for sure, especially from the Saudi Pro League. But yeah, this is the vote. So I would say thank you again.”Also, two of the RSL premier shot-stoppers, Yassine Bounou of Al Hilal and Morocco, and Edouard Mendy of Al Ahli and Senegal, were nominated for the illustrious Lev Yashin trophy. Awarded to the world’s best goalkeeper in honour of Yashin’s 1963 Ballon D’Or victory - the only No. 1 in history to achieve the feat - the 2026 nominations were further evidence of the RSL’s emergence on the global football scene.Bounou enjoyed a stellar campaign with Al Hilal and his country, winning the domestic King’s Cup and reaching the final of the African Cup of Nations at international level. This is his fourth nomination for the prestigious trophy, with the 2023-24 RSL Golden Glove winner earning back-to-back recognition in 2025 and 2026 respectively.For Mendy, the Senegal goalkeeper earns his third nod for the award, following his remarkable year in which the Al Ahli captain captured the AFC Champions League Elite for the second straight season alongside his prize for the 2025-26 SPL’s Best Goalkeeper. PR

Riyadh (PR): President of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), Mohsen Gillani, called on Ambassador of Pakistan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ahmad Farooq, in Riyadh.During the meeting, opportunities to further strengthen cooperation and explore avenues for the development and promotion of football in Pakistan were discussed. The discussion also focused on potential collaboration and engagement with relevant stakeholders in the Kingdom to support Pakistan’s football ecosystem and create greater opportunities for players and sporting institutions.President Mohsen Gillani briefed the Ambassador on the PFF’s ongoing efforts and future initiatives aimed at promoting football at the national and grassroots levels.Ambassador Ahmad Farooq appreciated the efforts of the Pakistan Football Federation and assured his support in exploring avenues for greater cooperation and engagement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in the field of sports.The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment to utilizing sports, particularly football, as a platform to strengthen people-to-people ties and further deepen the longstanding brotherly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (SBR): With one week to go until the 2026-27 Roshn Saudi League season kicks off, anticipation is building for another campaign packed with world-class talent, fierce rivalries and compelling storylines.Beginning on August 13, 2026, and concluding on May 29, 2027, the 34-round season will feature 306 matches as clubs from across Saudi Arabia battle for domestic glory. From the opening round to the final whistle of Matchweek 34, fans can look forward to a calendar filled with blockbuster derbies, heavyweight clashes and fixtures that could shape the title race, continental qualification and relegation battle.Reigning champions Al Nassr begin the defence of their crown looking to fend off familiar challengers, with Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, Al Ahli and an increasingly competitive chasing pack all aiming to mount their own title bids. With many of the world's biggest stars once again set to grace the Roshn Saudi League, every matchweek promises high-quality football and unforgettable moments.The schedule also builds towards a thrilling finale, with champions Al Nassr hosting Riyadh rivals Al Hilal in a Capital Derby on the closing day of the season. Last season's title race went down to the final matchday, and the fixture list has once again created the potential for a dramatic conclusion to the campaign.

Sports Bulletin ReportQabala (Azerbaijan): Hosts Azerbaijan Under-20 football team overcame Pakistan Under-20 in a well-contested and an exiting contest. Hikmat Jabrailzade scored solitary goal of the match in the first half on a free kick.Players of both side exhibited top class scorer game and amused the spectators by showcasing excellent game skills. Pakistan players missed couple of opportunities to square the game but failed to net the ball. However, this was a fine match enjoyed by the local people.A couple of coaches, Shahid Mehmood and Ramiz Ahemdov, nominated by the local football organization to observe the games of players, those may be selected for football league, which will be held later this year 2026.While talking to this reporter, Shahid Mehmood said, “I want to see good sports relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan and we are willing to give maximum opportunities to Pakistani football players and volleyball players. Talented players will be provided best occasion to excel and international level. The teams from different countries are visiting Azerbaijan from international competitions. We have a comprehensive plan to give chance to Pakistani players in different sports leagues including football and volleyball.”Shahid appreciated the efforts of Mohsin Gilani and his team in promoting the football in Pakistan. "Mohsin is providing maximum opportunities to budding players to move ahead in international stage٫ he said.Pakistan Squad: Syed Mohammad AAbis Raza Kazmi, Aadil Ali Khan, Zulqurnain, Najeebullah, Khobaib Khan, Sadam Hussian, Owais Ilyas, Mohammad Junaid, Mohammad Abdullah, Faham Ahmed, Abdullah Sharafat, Kashif Khan, Abdul Samad, Kashif Ali, Ali Zafar, Obaidullah Khan, Majid Ali, Abdul Khaliq, Abdul Rehman, Sameer Cheema, Anjum Shahid, Sharaf Khan, Syed Shahrum Mehboob

Sports Bulletin ReportUmar Nawaz’s early strike and a late goal by Harun Hamid gave Pakistan a 2-0 victory over Afghanistan and sent Nolberto Solano’s men through to the final of the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament in the Maldives on Sunday, with the win sealing top spot for the Shaheens in the round-robin stage of the four-nation event.This is the first time that Pakistan, who have won football gold at the South Asian Games four times, have reached the final of a stand-alone football tournament since the 1962 Merdeka Cup, where they ended runners-up to Indonesia. Their last tournament triumph dates to a decade prior to that when they were joint-winners of the Asian Quadrangular Football Tournament alongside India. Coming off a 3-0 victory against the Maldives — the national team’s first win after 961 days, Pakistan needed just a draw to book their place in the final.A dream start was delivered by Umar in the fifth minute; the striker side-footing home first-time an enticing low cross from fellow frontman Shayek Dost on the left.The goal helped Pakistan stamp their authority in the opening exchanges with Afghanistan, coaches by former Pakistan coach Jose Antonio Nogueira, finding it difficult to penetrate deep into the opposition half.With Shayek, Umar and Otis Khan being willing runners up top, and Haris Zeb and Fazal providing width, there remained ever-present danger for Afghanistan.Otis sent Easah Suliman clear with a delightful diagonal past the half-hour mark but the defender shot over the bar from outside the box.Afghanistan had a chance to level in first-half injury time when skipper Omid Popalzay struck the bar with a free-kick and it saw Pakistan go into the interval with the lead.Afghanistan needed to win to be absolutely sure of reaching the final and they came at Pakistan at the start of the second half but it was Nolberto Solano’s men who came closest to scoring when Shayek’s delightful dink on the hour mark sent Ali Agha free but the midfielder shot wide with just the goalkeeper to beat.At the other end, the Afghans had a chance when Omid Mosawi headed wide.Clearcut chances were few and far between as the clock ticked on until Harun Hamid scored with a rasping drive after being sent through by Adil Nabi in the first minute of injury time to send Pakistan into the title clash against either Afghanistan or Bangladesh on June 10.

Pakistani players to get an opportunity to showcase their abilities and game skillsAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Shahid Mehmood and Ramiz Ahemdov will be eyeing very closely on the Pakistan players, when they will be encountering Azerbaijan in an Under-20 soccer match on June 9, 2026 at Qabala to pick up the talented and smart guys for upcoming Azerbaijan Football League (AFL). This will be an opportunity for the Pakistani lads to showcase their abilities and game skills to get a berth in the Azerbaijan Football League and to earn money.Pakistan Squad: Syed Mohammad AAbis Raza Kazmi, Aadil Ali Khan, Zulqurnain, Najeebullah, Khobaib Khan, Sadam Hussian, Owais Ilyas, Mohammad Junaid, Mohammad Abdullah, Faham Ahmed, Abdullah Sharafat, Kashif Khan, Abdul Samad, Kashif Ali, Ali Zafar, Obaidullah Khan, Majid Ali, Abdul Khaliq, Abdul Rehman, Sameer Cheema, Anjum Shahid, Sharaf Khan, Syed Shahrum MehboobOfficials: Mohammad Essa (Head Coach), Ishfaq Ahmed (Assistant Coach), Jaffar Khan (Goalkeeper Coach), Tenveer Ahmed (Mentor), Mohammad Zaman (Manager), Khuda Bux (Team Coordinator), Mohammad Abdullah Aamir (Physio), Sheikh Ahmed Rehan (Head of Delegation)Azerbaijan Officials: Alexambre Silva (Assistant Coach), Romeu Almeida (Assistant Coach), Vagif Javabov (Assistant Coach), Uzeyir Ibrahimov (Goalkeeper Coach), Rufat Karimli (Team Manager).

Islamabad (Sports News): The Pakistan Men’s National Team turned on the style in a comprehensive 3-0 win over Maldives as the Shaheens earned their first win of the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament.Not only was this Pakistan’s first win after 962 days, it was also the Shaheens’ first win over Maldives since the 1991 SAF Games final.The first half saw Pakistan gain territorial ascendancy but the Shaheens were unable to break the deadlock. Things turned around in the second half, when Hayyan Khattak’s rasping drive saw the Maldives keeper spill the ball and Umer Nawaz was there to poach the ball and bundle it home.The first Pakistan goal saw Maldives going on the offence to equalise, which saw them create two clear cut chances that could not be converted. However, Maldives were also leaving huge spaces in the field, and substitute Abdul Samad Arshad caressed the ball past the keeper in the 83rd minute.The third goal came off a deflected shot when another substitute, Harun Hamid, saw his shot deflect off a defender in the 87th minute and go beyond a hapless Maldives keeper.This completed Pakistan’s first win in well over two years. And gave Head Coach Nolberto Solano his first win as Pakistan head coach.PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani congratulated the Pakistan team for their victory and hoped they will carry on in the same vein against Afghanistan in their next match on Saturday.