Al Sadd QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune power past QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune Al Wehdat to revive AFC Champions League hopes WEDNESday, APRIL 21, 2021 page 15 ECA will work with UEFA with good faith and dignity: Nasser Al Khelaifi

DPA/TNN Berlin As a football club, we (PSG) are a family and a Paris Saint-Germain chief community; whose fabric is our fans - I believe we Nasser Al KhelaifiBayern shouldn’t forget this. We believe that any proposal alongside Munich chairman without the support of UEFA - an organisation that has Karl-Heinz Rummenigge was been working to progress the interests of European ratified on the UEFA execu- tive committee as representa- football for nearly 70 years - does not resolve the tives of the European Club issues currently facing the football community, but is Association (ECA) at the con- instead driven by self-interest. Paris Saint-Germain will gress of the continental ruling body on Tuesday. continue to work with UEFA, the European Club The duo are of huge sig- Association and all stakeholders of the football family nificance given their clubs are - based on the principles of good faith, dignity and among the largest not involved respect for all. in the breakaway Super League announced by a dozen other Nasser Al Khelaifi, Chairman PSG and European Club major sides from Spain, Italy Association representative on UEFA Executive Committee and England on Sunday. Rummenigge, 65, returns to the committee on a three- German football fed- with Mehdi Bayat of Belgium year term after a previous stint eration (DFB) vice president the only man to miss out. 2016-2017 before he stepped ECA representative and Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al Khelaifi, UEFA Executive Committee member Rainer Koch, UEFA Executive Rainer Koch was one of eight Razvan Burleanu of Ro- down in favour of Agnelli. Committee member Jesper Moller Christense and UEFA Executive Committee member Zbigniew Boniek look on during the UEFA Congress men elected or re-elected to mania, Georgios Koumas of He has made his, and Bay- in Montreux, Switzerland, on Tuesday. (UEFA/AFP) the executive on regular terms. Cyprus, Peter Peters of Ger- ern’s, opposition to the Super The 62-year-old Koch re- many and Dejan Savicevic of League well known backed ceived the votes of 47 of the 55 Montenegro were elected to UEFA’s expansion of the national delegates to remain the four vacant spots on ruling Champions League from 2024. appear committed to UEFA posal without the support of and collaborative consultation continue to work with UEFA, on the influential committee football body FIFA’s council Ceferin singled him out for and back the Champions UEFA - an organisation that has across the whole European the European Club Associa- for another four-year term af- by acclamation. praise as a “fantastic” honor- League reforms which bring been working to progress the football landscape. We believe tion and all stakeholders of the ter taking the position of for- Italy’s Evelina Christellin ary chair of the ECA and Rum- expansion from 2024. interests of European football that any proposal without the football family - based on the mer DFB president Reinhard was re-elected as the female menigge is expected to prove “Paris Saint-Germain for nearly 70 years - does not support of UEFA - an organi- principles of good faith, dig- Grindel in March 2020. member on the council while a significantally to UEFA and holds the firm belief that foot- resolve the issues currently fac- sation that has been working nity and respect for all.” Zbigniew Boniek (Poland), David Martin of Northern its Slovenian president in the ball is a game for everyone,” Al ing the football community, but to progress the interests of Eu- Spanish La Liga president Alexander Dyukov (Russia), Ireland was elected as a FIFA attempt to keep control of Eu- Khelaifi said in a statement. is instead driven by self-interest. ropean football for nearly 70 Javier Tebas will be the Euro- David Gill (England), Gabriele vice president. ropean football. “As a football club, we are “There is a clear need to ad- years - does not resolve the is- pean Leagues representative Gravina (Italy), Karl-Erik Nils- Juventus’ Andrea Ag- Reports suggest both Bay- a family and a community; vance the existing UEFA com- sues currently facing the foot- on the committee even with son (Sweden), Just Spee (Neth- nelli left his position as an ern and PSG are desired as whose fabric is our fans - I be- petition model, presented by ball community, but is instead Barcelona, Real Madrid and erlands) and Flag of Turkey ECA member on the commit- members by the others in- lieve we shouldn’t forget this. UEFA yesterday and conclud- driven by self-interest. Atletico Madrid joining the Servet Yardimci (Turkey) were tee after his club became part of volved in the Super League but “We believe that any pro- ing 24 months’ of extensive “Paris Saint-Germain will Super League. also successful in the election the breakaway. Infantino against Super League; anger and resistance mount in England

Selfishness is replacing solidarity. Money has become more important than glory, greed more important than loyalty, and dividends more important than passion. FIFA President Gianni Infantino

Football supporters demonstrate against the proposed European Super League outside of Stamford Bridge football stadium in London on Tuesday. (AFP)

That group are also meet- in England operates. mund have 30 days to respond ing domestic fury and opposi- Speaking about the review to contracts dated April 17. tion from rival clubs, and even to lawmakers on Monday, But Bayern chairman Karl British Prime Minister Boris Dowden said it will cover “fi- Heinz-Rummenigge strength- FIFA President Gianni Infantino (C) is watched by European Club Association (ECA) representative and Paris Saint-Germain President Nasser Johnson. nancial sustainability ... gov- ened his club’s opposition to Al-Khelaifi (R) as he addresses the UEFA Congress in Montreux, Switzerland, on Tuesday.(U EFA/AFP) “I will do everything I can ernance and regulation, and the breakaway and called for to give the ludicrous European the merits of an independent dialogue in the dispute. DPA Infantino said the Su- ers could be excluded from more important than glory, Super League a straight red,” regulator” as well as how fans “We are not there because Berlin per League involving 12 clubs national teams and clubs in greed more important than Johnson wrote in a guest col- can have an “even greater say” we do not want to be a part of so far was in contrast to these the breakaway could face do- loyalty, and dividends more umn for the Sun newspaper. in oversight. it,” he said in an interview with FIFA president Gianni Infan- values and that UEFA had full mestic penalties. important than passion,” he “Football clubs ... have a Liverpool’s city rivals Ever- Italy’s Corriere della Sera news- tino has rejected proposals for support in opposing the move. Infantino suggested that said in his lengthy opening unique place at the heart of ton - themselves once part of paper. “We are happy to play a breakaway European Super The Premier League ‘big there would not be a compro- speech to the congress. their communities, and are an an English ‘big five’ before the in the Champions League and League and threatened the six’ of Liverpool, Manches- mise where clubs could play “For some, supporters unrivalled source of passion- 1992 formation of the Premier don’t forget the responsibility clubs involved with unspecified ter duo United and City, and in their private competition have become consumers, fans ate local pride,” said Johnson, League - said they were “sad- we have to our fans, who are “consequences.” There was “no London’s Chelsea, Totten- but remain part of the current have become customers and who addded “even the most dened and disappointed to see fundamentally against such a doubt” in the position of the ham Hotspur and Arsenal structure. competitions have become seemingly endless period of proposals of ... six clubs acting reform. And we feel the respon- world football governing body said Sunday they would join “If some elect to go their products.” Ceferin said foot- frustration is made bearable entirely in their own interests” sibility to football as a whole.” on the matter, Infantino said at Spain’s Barcelona, Real and own way, then they must live ball belongs to everyone be- by the possibility, however re- and “tarnishing the reputation Rummenigge added it was the congress of European con- Atletico Madrid, and Italy’s with the consequences of cause it “is part of our heritage. mote, that one day you could of our league and the game.” “important that we start dia- federation UEFA on Tuesday. Juventus, AC and Inter Mi- their choice,” he said. “Con- Respect for history. Respect see them rise up.” The league of 20 teams in- logue again. My hope is that “At FIFA, we can only lan, in forming a largely closed cretely, this means either for tradition. Respect for oth- Reports say Johnson will tends to have 15 permament we can still find a solution be- strongly disapprove the crea- competition from August. you are in or you are out. You ers. This means something.” meet with fan representatives, members with German giants cause the Super League dam- tion of a Super League which What sanctions UEFA, or cannot be half in or half out.” However, aiming specifi- the Football Association and Bayern Munich and Borussia ages all of European football. is a closed shop, which is a national leagues, could take, Ceferin accused the clubs of cally at the owners of the six the Premier League after the Dortmund reportedly offered We must prevent that.” And breakaway from the current remains unclear and would forgetting the history of the English clubs involved Ceferin UK’s Digital, Culture, Media spots despite public reluc- regarding losses incurred dur- institutions, from the leagues, certainly meet legal challenges. game and betraying fans. said that while they had made and Sport Secretary Oliver tance to join. ing the coronavirus pandemic, from the associations, from UEFA president Aleksand- “Selfishness is replacing a “huge mistake” there “is still Dowden unveiled a new “fan- Spiegel magazine reported he said costs had to be reduced UEFA, and from FIFA.” er Ceferin, however, said play- solidarity. Money has become time to change your mind.” led” review into how football Monday that Bayern and Dort- rather than income increased. Sports Wednesday, April 21, 2021 13 Chelsea, City reportedly to exit Super League amid outrage DPA Berlin/London

Chelsea and Manchester City were reportedly set to quit a controversial European Su- International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach addresses per League less than two after the UEFA Congress in Montreux, Switzerland, on Tuesday. (UEFA/AFP) it was announced, after Tues- day saw more wide-ranging condemnation of the 12-team breakaway. ‘Profit-driven There was also specula- tion in Spain that Barcelona and Athletico Madrid may approach’ be planning similar steps in what should be a fatal blow to the planned all but closed threatens sport: elite event. An emergecy meeting of the 12 clubs was said to be IOC chief Bach scheduled for Tuesday night, according to Spanish sports DPA ground to the purely profit- paper Marca. Berlin oriented goals of commercial In addition, Champions sport providers and inves- League winners Bayern Mu- “Profit-driven” projects tors. nich and finalists Paris Saint- like the European Super “If everything is only Germain made it clear that League threaten the exist- looked at from a business they would not join the event, ing structure and mission perspective. If only the eco- with Bayern president Herbert Football supporters demonstrate against the proposed European Super League outside of Stamford Bridge stadium in London on Tuesday, of sport, according to Inter- nomic rules are applied to Hainer insisting: “FC Bayern ahead of the English Premier League match between Chelsea and Brighton and Hove Albion. (AFP) national Olympic Commit- measure the impact of sport says no to the Super League.” tee (IOC) president Thomas on society then the social Condemnation ranged from Champions League which on clubs or players. Johnson and Culture Sec- tion is off the table and the Bach. mission of sport is lost. British Prime Minister Boris Monday was agreed to be re- But the ruling may now be retary Oliver Dowden met government is exploring every Bach appeared at the “In this polarising envi- Johnson and International vised from 2024 onwards with obsolete as the teams appeared with representatives from the possibility, including legisla- UEFA Congress in Mon- ronment narrow self-interest Olympic Committee presi- 100 more matches. to crumble amid the condem- Football Association (FA), tive options, to ensure these treux, Switzerland on Tues- and egotism have been gaining dent Thomas Bach to the Super League and Real nations and sanction threats. Premier League and fan proposals are stopped.” day. ground over solidarity, shared presidents of the ruling body’s Madrid president Florentino Chelsea and City the last of groups where they discussed Following a meeting of the The furore caused by 12 values and common rules. UEFA and FIFA, as well as the Perez had late Monday told El the 12 to get on board, mainly the six English teams’ plans to other 14 clubs, the Premier of Europe’s leading clubs “We can only address the 14 Premier League clubs who Chiringuito TV that “we have fearing being left out, and now join the new league. League said it was “consid- announcing a breakaway challenges of the post-coro- were not part of the scheme. to make it (football) more at- ready to leave, according to A spokesperson for John- ering all actions available to competition that would see navirus world in solidarity. Hundreds of Chelsea fans tractive. It is not something multiple British reports in- son said the premier would prevent it from progressing, them leave existing struc- This means for us solidarity were protesting ahead of their for the rich. We do this to save cluding the PA news agency, take “whatever action neces- as well as holding those Share- tures in place within sports team’s Premier League match football.” the BBC and Sky Sports. sary” to put a stop to the plans. holders involved to account under UEFA organisations and should really several And a Spanish mercantile The other teams are Arsenal, “The Prime Minister con- under its rules.” and FIFA con- and solidarity teams quit it should mark the court judge Tuesday issued a Tottenham, Liverpool and Man- firmed the government will not Downing Street has not tinues to cause among sports beginning of the end of what preliminary ruling that pro- chester United from England; stand by while a small hand- ruled out intervening on work intense debate. If everything is only organisations.” was to be a 20-team event with hibited FIFA, UEFA and oth- Barca, Real and Atletico from ful of owners create a closed visas for players at the relevant Bach looked at from a Bach also 15 permanent members in di- ers from taking any kind of ac- Spain; and from Italy AC and shop,” the spokesperson said. clubs or withdrawing police warned that business perspective. hoped a suc- rect competition to UEFA’s tion against the Super League Inter Milan as well as Juventus. “He was clear that no ac- funding for match days. self-interest and If only the economic cessful Euro- commercialism rules are applied to pean Cham- would come at pionships in a huge cost for measure the impact of football can European sport. sport on society then give a positive He insisted the social mission of signal for the Guardiola against closed-shop competition such an ap- sport is lost. Tokyo Games proach was amid the coro- DPA all the people working in the not what was Thomas Bach, IOC Chief navirus pan- Berlin toughest period, everybody needed as soci- demic. suffering, struggling. All the ety rebuilds as “Football Pep Guardiola expressed clubs, they have to clarify, it emerges from the corona- will send the first light at the huge reservations over any make a clear statement. virus pandemic. end of the tunnel to millions closed-shop competitions that “And after that, the peo- “We have to realise that of people,” Bach said Tues- remove the relationship “be- ple will decide. We have to go this European sport model day at the congress of Euro- tween effort and success” after all together. Same hand. But, is under threat today,” Bach pean ruling body UEFA. plans for a European Super don’t be cynical, UEFA thinks said. “In fact, the very exist- Bach believes Euro 2020 League were announced. for themselves (too).” ence of the values, solidarity running smoothly from The Manchester City man- Guardiola revealed he had and volunteer-based model June 11-July 11 will give ager insisted on Tuesday he found out about the plans “a is under threat. confidence organizers of needed more information few hours before the state- “It is challenged by a the Olympics, held in Japan about the tournament before ment” and highlighted the purely profit-driven ap- from July 23, will be able to making a full judgement, but wide range of topics managers proach that ignores the in- stage a safe Games. admitted he was against the had been asked to comment trinsic values the social mis- Fans are set to be allowed concept of a format that in- on, when perhaps they were sion of sport and the real at several venues during the volved hand-picked clubs and not best placed to do so. needs of the post-coronavi- pan-continental Euros but no open means of qualification “Ole (Gunnar Solskjaer), rus world. this is not clear for the Olym- for other teams. Jurgen, myself, we speak six “It is under threat be- pics has already determined City are one of the six Pre- times a week. cause the social mission of foreign fans will not be per- mier League sides to have signed We can talk. We spoke sports organisations is losing mitted to visit Tokyo. up to the continental breakaway about the virus, NHS, fur- league, which has attracted a lough, anything,” he said. deluge of criticism from across “Honestly, we are not the the sport and beyond. Manchester City’s Spanish manager Pep Guardiola. (AFP) right people to answer these Speaking ahead of City’s questions. Bayern Munich ‘says no’ top-flight clash with Aston statement, it’s what I feel. This ing he would “try to help sort urging the need for more clar- There are presidents who Villa on Wednesday, Guar- is not sport.” City have fellow it”, while midfielder James ity on the proposals. can speak more clearly. That’s to Super League diola faced questioning over Premier League sides Man- Milner went further in declar- “It’s just a statement. Two why it’s a little bit uncomfort- a development that has domi- chester United, Liverpool, ing: “I don’t like it and hope- papers,” he said. “We are going able. DPA in the Champions League. We nated the headlines since be- Chelsea, Arsenal and Totten- fully it doesn’t happen.” That to play the Champions League “We don’t have all the in- Berlin all remember fondly our 2020 ing made public. ham for company in this band has been the tone from prac- next week. Next season we are formation. I don’t know more. Champions League victory in “Sport is not a sport when of clubs seeking to forge a new tically all quarters, with gov- going to play European com- I would love the president of Champions League title hold- Lisbon - you don’t forget such the relation between the ef- path, with all having met re- erning bodies such as UEFA petition. We want it. this committee to go around ers Bayern Munich have offi- a joyful moment. fort and reward doesn’t exist,” sistance from their own fans threatening sanctions against “(But) don’t be cynical, the world and say why they cially said “no” to the planned “For FC Bayern, the Cham- he said. “It’s not sport when and, indeed, from players. clubs if they forge ahead with everyone makes its own inter- took this decision. European Super League. pions League is the best club success is guaranteed, when Reds boss Jurgen Klopp the plans. est. UEFA have failed. They “I support this club. I have Chairman Karl-Heinz competition in the world.” it doesn’t matter if you lose. underlined some concerns But Guardiola suggested have to communicate before. I my own opinion. For all of us, Rummenigge had made simi- Der Spiegel news magazine I want the best competitions after his side drew 1-1 with those institutions were far don’t have all the information. all the managers, it’s uncom- lar statements, and on Tuesday reported that the 12 founding as strong as possible. In this Leeds United on Monday, say- from perfect themselves, while “It’s completely unfair for fortable.” joined the executive committee members of the Super League of UEFA which runs the Cham- from England, Italy and Spain pions League, but the club then were giving six-time Euro- also published an official state- pean champions Bayern and ment on their website. Bundesliga rivals Borussia SPEAKING OUT “Our members and fans Dortmund 30 days to decide reject a Super League,” presi- whether to join the league as dent Herbert Hainer said. “As part of three additional per- FC Bayern, it is our wish and manent members. our aim that European clubs Dortmund CEO Hans- live the wonderful and emo- Joachim Watzke had said tional competition that is the on Monday that they - and Champions League, and de- Munich - would not be join- velop it together with UEFA. ing and remained part of the FC Bayern says no to the Super European Club Association League.” Rummenigge added (ECA) which backs the UEFA in the statement: “On behalf competitions which are also to of the board, I would like to be reformed in 2024. make it explicitly clear that FC German clubs are member Bayern will not be taking part owned under the 50 per cent in the Super League. plus 1 rule which prevents ta- “FC Bayern stands in soli- kovers from investors. Fans darity with the Bundesliga. and members are staunchly It always was and is a great against the Super League and pleasure for us to be able to have also been critical of the Brighton’s Argentinian midfielder Alexis Mac Allister wears an anti-European Super League Brighton’s Spanish goalkeeper Robert Sanchez wears an anti-European Super League t- play and represent Germany Champions League reform. t-shirt ahead of the English Premier League match against Chelsea on Tuesday. (AFP) shirt as he warms up ahead of the EPL match against Chelsea in London on Tuesday. (AFP) 14 Wednesday, April 21, 2021 Sports

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE Mishra, Dhawan help Capitals beat MI in low-scoring thriller ANI glimmer of hope with Delhi Chennai needing 38 runs in the last five overs. But the Capitals got Leg-spinner Amit Mishra over the line and registered spun a web before Shikhar their third win of the ongoing Dhawan and Steve Smith Indian Premier League. played significant knocks as Earlier, Rohit Sharma and Delhi Capitals registered a six- Suryakumar Yadav launched Leeds United’s Spanish defender Diego Llorente (L) celebrates scoring wicket win over Mumbai Indi- a counter-attack and steered the equalising goal against Liverpool during the English Premier League ans in a low-scoring IPL match Mumbai Indians to 55/1 at match at Elland Road in Leeds, northern England late on Monday. (AFP) here at the MA Chidambaram the end of the powerplay after Stadium on Tuesday evening. Quinton de Kock departed in Mishra picked four wickets the third over. Leeds snatch late draw to as Delhi Capitals first restrict- Rohit and Suryakumar ed Mumbai Indians to 137/9 found their rhythm but Avesh and then chased down the tar- Khan triggered a middle-order dent Liverpool’s Champions get with five balls to spare. collapse by removing ‘SKY’ in Delhi needed 15 runs in the seventh over. League chances the last two overs and Shim- After Suryakumar’s dis- ron Hetmyer and Lalit Yadav missal, Mishra removed Ro- DPA Kalvin Phillips’ lovely weight- ensured the side didn’t falter hit, Hardik, and Pollard. Lalit London ed pass sent Patrick Bamford towards the end. too joined the party as he dis- clear on goal, but Alisson pro- Moreover, Jasprit Bum- missed Krunal Pandya. Mum- Diego Llorente’s late header duced a crucial block. rah’s two no-balls in the pe- bai Indians lost five wickets in rescued a deserved point for But Liverpool carried the nultimate over made the job less than five overs. Leeds in a 1-1 home Premier greater threat and were re- easier for the batsmen. Ishan Kishan and Jayant League draw against Liverpool. warded with the opening goal Chasing 138, Delhi had Yadav revived the Mumbai The Spain defender pow- in the 31st minute. suffered an early jolt as Jayant Indians innings but Mishra ered home Jack Harrison’s Trent Alexander-Arnold Yadav dismissed Prithvi Shaw again struck removing the corner with three minutes re- charged in behind on to Jo- in the second over. Dhawan wicket-keeper batsman as the maining to cancel out Sadio ta’s superb throughball and (45) and Smith (33) stitched Rohit-led side posted a 138- Mane’s first-half opener for squared the ball for Mane to a 53-run stand for the second run target. Liverpool. side-foot home his 13th goal of wicket, but at a sluggish rate. Scores: Mumbai Indians Llorente, an 18-million- the season in all competitions Pollard ended the partner- Amit Mishra of Delhi Capitals celebrates the wicket of Kieron Pollard of Mumbai Indians during the Vivo 137/9 (Rohit Sharma 44, Ishan dollar summer signing from and his first in the Premier ship in the 10th over to reduce Indian Premier League 2021 match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday. (BCCI/IPL) Kishan 26; Amit Mishra 4-26); Real Sociedad, registered his League since January 28. Delhi Capitals to 64/2. How- Delhi Capitals 138/4 (Shikhar first goal for Leeds to deny Ju- Tyler Roberts’ low shot was ever, Dhawan continued scor- a 36-run stand with Lalit as fore the completion of the 15th However, Rahul Chahar Dhawan 45, Steven Smith 33; rgen Klopp’s side the win that comfortably gathered by Alis- ing at a brisk rate and built Delhi Capitals scored 100 be- over. removed Dhawan to ignite a Kieron Pollard 1-9). would have lifted them back son as the visitors preserved into the top four. their slender lead at half-time. Where Liverpool will finish Firmino was denied by this season and what it will mean Meslier’s near-post save at the is anyone’s guess after the Euro- start of the second period and Liam Livingstone Rashford quotes Busby in pean Super League dropped its Jota headed narrowly over bombshell on Sunday. But, as from the subsequent corner. it stands, Liverpool’s Champi- Klopp’s side continued to pulls out of IPL 2021 apparent Super League protest ons League hopes were dealt make Leeds run hard in their another blow. bid to recover the ball, but DPA Several hundred fans, in- as the visitors’ energy levels due to bubble fatigue Berlin cluding some Liverpool sup- dipped, the home side stepped porters, gathered outside El- up their pursuit of an equalizer. ANI Marcus Rashford appeared land Road before kick-off in Alexander-Arnold escaped Mumbai to take a stance against the protest at the Super League a penalty appeal against him European Super League as he proposals. after the ball appeared to hit England and Rajasthan shared a famous Matt Busby Leeds owner Andrea his lower arm and Helder Cos- Royals batsman Liam Living- quotation. Radrizzani had made clear his ta failed to keep his far-post stone has pulled out of the on- Manchester United star dismay at the plans earlier in volley on target. going Indian Premier League Rashford posted an image the day on social media and Roberts and Harrison (IPL) 2021 due to bio-bubble on Twitter of a banner at Old his club’s players made a clear combined brilliantly in the fatigue. Livingstone flew back Trafford adorned with words statement in the warm-up as box, but Alisson saved with his home on Monday. uttered by club legend Busby, they wore t-shirts with ‘Foot- legs. “Liam Livingstone has Liam Livingstone. who said: “Football is nothing ball is for the Fans’ written on Mohamed Salah replaced flown back home late last without fans.” the back. Mane with 19 minutes left, but night, due to bubble fatigue peat X-ray and CT scan on April The England internation- Liverpool appeared to Leeds continued to dominate. accumulated over the past 15 revealed that Stokes has a al has been a vocal supporter Manchester United star Marcus Rashford. have put last week’s Champi- Bamford’s fine touch and vol- year. We understand and re- fracture of his left index finger. of social causes, campaigning ons League exit behind them ley struck the crossbar and spect his decision, and will The England all-rounder for free meals during school of widespread criticism from of Premier League skippers to as they swarmed all over Leeds Alisson saved again from Rob- continue supporting him in had sustained the injury dur- holidays for underprivi- all quarters, with supporters agree on a course of action. in the opening exchanges. erts. any way we can,” the Ra- ing the game against Punjab leged children in the United from across the spectrum out- Reds manager Jurgen Thiago Alcantara’s swerv- But Llorente rose highest jasthan Royals said in an of- Kings on Monday. The inci- Kingdom, and speaking out raged at what would constitute Klopp had his say on Monday, ing drive was tipped over the to send a thumping header ficial statement on Tuesday. dent occurred during the Pun- against racism. a seismic and largely unwanted while midfielder James Mil- crossbar by Illan Meslier, from Harrison’s corner into Last week, Ben Stokes was jab innings as Stokes went for- His post comes in the wake shift in the football landscape. ner was direct in his criticism, Roberto Firmino threatened the roof of the net to equalize ruled out of the remainder of ward to complete the catch of of Sunday’s announcement Comments from current declaring: “I don’t like it and after cutting inside and Diogo in the 87th minute. the IPL due to a finger injury. Punjab batsman Chris Gayle. of a breakaway league, with managers and players have hopefully it doesn’t happen.” Jota’s close-range effort was Liverpool almost snatched He has been sidelined for up Stokes was visibly in pain United among the six Premier been thin on the ground and Governing bodies such as blocked. a winner in time added on, to three months, the Eng- even though he did come out to League clubs involved, joined generally guarded, but it has UEFA and the Premier League Leeds chased and harried but substitute Alex Oxlade- land and Wales Cricket Board bat in the Rajasthan innings – a by three from Spain and an- been reported that Liverpool have warned that member with the usual intensity and Chamberlain could not get a (ECB) confirmed on Friday. match which the Sanju Sam- other trio of Italian teams. captain Jordan Henderson is clubs will face sanctions if created their first real chance clean shot away and Meslier ECB also informed that a re- son-led side lost by four runs. The response has been one seeking to organise a meeting they proceed with the plans. in the 24th minute when comfortably gathered.

YOUNG & ASPIRING A look at the youngest people to lead a team in Premier League

ottenham’s interim Attilio Lombardo, Crystal with Real Sociedad and Greek but was sacked early in 2000- head coach Ryan Mason Palace, 1998 32 years, two side AEL and in the Cham- 01 before a disappointing sea- Twill become the young- months pionship with Coventry but son in charge of Watford. est man to lead a team in a The Italian, who took care- proved his mettle by leading Premier League game when taker charge of Palace for the Wales to the Euro 2016 semi- Andre Villas-Boas, Chel- Spurs face Southampton on final stages of their 1997-98 finals and to an all-time high sea, 2011 33 years, nine Wednesday. Here, the PA relegation season, holds the of eighth in the FIFA rankings. months news agency takes a look at record Mason will break on He was unable to replicate that Billed as Chelsea’s new the top five on the list and how Wednesday. Despite starring magic with Sunderland or He- Jose Mourinho after making their careers panned out. as a player for the Eagles, bei China Fortune, however. the same journey from Porto, Lombardo was unable to res- having taken Vialli’s record as Ryan Mason, Tottenham, cue them as a manager and Gianluca Vialli, the youngest manager to win 2021 29 years, 10 months his subsequent managerial ex- Chelsea, 1998 33 years, a UEFA competition with Eu- The former Spurs midfield- perience has come below Eu- seven months ropa League success in 2011, er was forced into early retire- rope’s top-flight leagues - with Briefly holding the record he failed to emulate his coun- ment as a player after failing to FC Chiasso in Switzerland and until compatriot Lombardo tryman’s impact - indeed, he sufficiently recover from a frac- Italian sides Castelnuovo, Leg- took the Palace reins, Vialli was sacked quickly enough for tured skull suffered while play- nano and Spezia - and as an was the latest in a run of ever his later appointment at Tot- ing for Hull in January 2017, assistant, including to Roberto younger player-managers tenham to rank 10th on this and eventually settled into a Mancini with Manchester City, for the Blues, following a list. In an eccentric career in role as the north London club’s Galatasaray and Italy. His 35-year-old Glenn Hoddle and which he never played profes- academy coach and then head own assistant and interpreter 33-year-old Ruud Gullit and sionally, he moved on to Zenit of player development. Spurs, at Palace, team-mate Tomas taking over from the Dutch- St Petersburg and Shanghai five points below the Champi- Brolin, was just 28 at the time man in February 1998. SIPG before taking time away ons League places and with the but Lombardo’s top billing He put the finishing touch- from football to compete in small matter of a League Cup leaves Mason as the league’s es to a trophy double in the the Dakar Rally. He returned final onS unday, are not in a first under-30 manager. League Cup and Cup Winners’ with Marseille in 2019 but was situation where he will be left Tottenham have confirmed that Ryan Mason will be interim head coach until the end of the season. Cup and added the FA Cup suspended by the club in Feb- to simply blood his young play- Chris Coleman, Fulham, in 2000, along with a Euro- ruary this year after publicly ers but the likes of Alfie Devine 2003 32 years, 10 months later becoming the Premier Fulham in the top flight and season, before being sacked in pean Super Cup and a Charity criticising their signing of Ol- and Dane Scarlett may be eye- Initially appointed as a League’s youngest permanent led them to a surprise ninth- 2007 amid a relegation battle. Shield and fourth, third and ivier Ntcham from Celtic. ing up an opportunity. caretaker before a month manager, the Welshman kept placed finish the following He had difficult spells abroad fifth-placed league finishes, (DPA) Sports Wednesday, April 21, 2021 15 Al Sadd bounce back with a win Wolves drub Al Wehdat 3-1 to keep hopes alive

AFC Riyadh

Al Sadd SC breathed life into their 2021 AFC Champions League campaign with a 3-1 win over Jordan debutants Al Wehdat at King Fahd Interna- tional Stadium on Tuesday. Winless in two prior match- es, the Qatari champions clicked into gear with a blistering three- goal burst in the opening 26 minutes, with Baghdad Bouned- jah, Boualem Khoukhi and Has- san Al Haydos all getting on the scoresheet before an Ahmad Sameer penalty sparked an Al Wehdat revival late on. The result lifts Xavi’s Al Sadd to an improved four points from three matches – one behind group leaders Foolad Khouzestan and Al Nassr – while Al Wehdat re- main bottom of Group D with one point at the half-way point of their maiden group stage campaign. Having been competi- tive in their first two matches without a win or a goal to show for it, the Jordanians were this time blown away by an Al Sadd starting line-up featuring five AFC Asian Cup winners and four top class foreign players. It was three of the foreign contingent who combined for Al Sadd players celebrate the opening goal from Baghdad Bounedjah (centre) against Al Wehdat in their Group D of the AFC Champions League at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh on Tuesday. the first goal, scored within two minutes, with the prolific their lead seven minutes later, the 12th minute, but Al Sadd’s near post. shaal Barsham into a brilliant by Tarek Salman, with Ahmad ing Al Sadd’s two-goal buffer Bounedjah poking Santi Ca- with another in-swinging cor- relentless pressure meant the There looked to be more reflex save after the Jordani- Sameer dispatching the penalty intact, and setting the scene for zorla’s corner kick over the ner from Cazorla thundered in third goal arrived just before pain ahead for Abdullah Abu ans won the ball high up the kick to become the club’s first a Matchday Four rematch be- line from a few yards after a by Khouki’s header, which left the half-hour mark, with Al Zema when Nawwas denied pitch on the hour mark. ever AFC Champions League tween the two clubs on Friday. flick on from Guilherme, and Al Wehdat goalkeeper Ahmad Haydos racing to get onto a Cazorlaearly in the second It was N’Diaye who proved goal scorer in the 63rd minute. Scoreline: Al Sadd 3 (Baghdad it proved to be a mere warning Nawwas rooted to the spot. deflected Mohammed Waad half, but there were signs crucial to Al Wehdat’s goal two Al Wehdat were denied a Bounedjah 2’, Boualem Khoukhi for what was to come. The woodwork prevented strike before slamming the of life when Abdou N’Diaye minutes, winning a penalty second when Barsham saved a 9’, Hassan Al haydos 26’) bt Al The Qatari side doubled Cazorla from making it 3-0 in ball beyond Nawwas at his forced Al Sadd goalkeeper Me- when he was clumsily fouled low effort from Sameer, keep- Wehdat 1 (Ahmed Samir 63’ (P)) Al Duhail and Esteghlal ready to serve up thriller

AFC ick Diabate and Mehdi Ghaedi However, Al Duhail’s fate Jeddah each having scored two. is still very much in their own “We expect a difficult hands and a win over Es- Esteghlal FC will aim to match tomorrow because Al teghlal will mean top spot in go five points clear in Group Duhail are an excellent side the group at the halfway stage C of the 2021 AFC Champi- and they have good organi- and Lamouchi will expect his ons League when they play Al sation on the pitch. We have players to deliver. Duhail SC at the King Abdul- seen their matches in the com- “The match is important lah Sports City at 8.45pm on petition and they have had for the two teams and I be- Wednesday. good performances,” said Es- lieve that the competition has A five-point lead after three teghlal assistant coach Faraz become exciting because there matches would mean a hefty Kamalvand. are strong opponents and all advantage in the race for the “The winners tomorrow will the matches are important,” solitary automatic slot to the have a chance to advance to the said Lamouchi. Round of 16 and the Islamic next stage. We will give our best “We will be playing against Republic of Iran club will fan- in order to win our third con- the group leaders and we know cy their chances after having secutive match and strengthen that we have a difficult task. defeated Iraq’s Al Shorta (3-0) our position in the group. I watched the match between and Al Ahli Saudi FC (5-2). “We have good players and Esteghlal against Al Ahli while Al Duhail, meanwhile, will four of them scored two goals their previous match against have to beat Esteghlal after the each. This tactical variation Al Shorta is not a reference be- Qatar side conceded a stop- helps us to take use of all our cause Al Shorta played with 10 page time equaliser to Al Ahli capabilities in order to score men for 80 minutes.” Saudi FC on Matchday Two, goals.” “They have good scoring having beaten Al Shorta 2-0 in Al Duhail, on the other form as they scored eight goals Action from the Al Rayyan vs Al Wahda AFC Champions League Group E match played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Tuesday. their opener. hand, were guilty of not put- in two matches and their best Esteghlal will head into ting away their chances against scorer is their left-back. We the tie oozing confidence af- Al Ahli Saudi FC on Matchday created a lot of chances in our ter scoring a group stage-high Two, with the Saudi Arabia last match and we should have Al Wahda fight back to pip of eight goals in their opening club salvaging a 1-1 draw in scored more goals. two matches. added time. “Tomorrow’s (Wednesday) What makes their start The Qatar side had 29 to- match will be interesting and even more impressive is that tal shots, eigh of which were we will be playing two consec- the goals have flowed from on target against Al Ahli Saudi utive games against the same Al Rayyan in a classic different sources for Farhad and head coach Sabri Lam- side. We have great challenges Majidi’s side with Mohammad ouchi did not hide his disap- and hopefully we can over- AFC had earlier halved the deficit an eventful opening to the his low strike. Naderi, Farshid Esmaeili, Che- pointment after the match. come all the obstacles.” Goa for Al Wahda with Shoja Khal- game when he sent a looping That goal finally roused Al ilzadeh and Abdelaziz Hatem effort over the bar before the Wahda, with substitute Tim Al Wahda FSCC’s Fares Juma having given Al Rayyan a two- Qatari side took the lead in the Matavz hitting the post three headed in with the final touch goal cushion. 13th minute. minutes later while, in the of the game to secure a dra- But the win means Al Hatem’s free-kick from the 66th minute, ten Cate’s side matic 3-2 come-from-behind Wahda move onto four points left drifted into the penalty halved the deficit. Ibrahim win for Henk ten Cate’s side from their first three games area and, after the Al Wahda burst down the right before over Qatar’s Al Rayyan on while Al Rayyan remain on defence failed to clear, Khal- firing in a low centre the Al Tuesday in Group E of the one point, with the two teams ilzadeh struck low and on the Rayyan defence struggled to 2021 AFC Champions League due to meet again on Friday. turn to give Al Rayyan the clear before Al Ruwais slotted at the Pandit Jawaharlal Al Rayyan had looked set lead. in. Nehru Stadium. to take their first win of the Nine minutes before the Five minutes from time The experienced central campaign after opening up a interval, Al Rayyan went close Ibrahim went from provider defender rose to meet Abdulla two-goal lead with a dominant to doubling their advantage to scorer when he raced on to Al Karbi’s cross from the right display throughout the open- but Al Shamsi was again just Matavz’s through ball to slide for the club from the United ing 60 minutes. about equal to the task as he his shot beyond Younis and, Arab Emirates, who scored Al Wahda goalkeeper Mo- pushed the ball away from with four minutes into injury three times in the final 24 min- hamed Al Shamsi had to be goal. time, Jumaa nodded in the utes to overturn a two-goal def- alert to push Hatem’s fifth There was little the Al winner to cap a remarkable icit and pick up their first win minute shot to safety after the Wahda goalkeeper could do, comeback. of the campaign. midfielder’s effort looked des- however, in the 54th minute The game had looked des- tined for the top corner while when Hatem extended his Scoreline: Al Wahda 3 (Manea tined to end in a draw after at the other end Omar Khrbin side’s lead. Boli collected a Al Ruwais 66’, Khalil Ibrahim Khalil Ibrahim latched on to twice had sight of goal, only to long ball into the penalty area 85’, Fares Al Saadi 90+5’) bt Tim Matavz’s through ball to miss the target. before pulling back to Hatem Al Rayyan 2 (Shoja Khalilzadeh Al Duhail SC will take on Esteghlal FC in Group C of the 2021 AFC Champions League at the King Abdullah score after Maayed Al Ruwais Yohan Boli almost capped and he made no mistake with 13’, Abdulaziz Hatem 54’). Sports City at 8.45pm on Wednesday.