Doha from October 5 to 15, League by Slamming Four Past Qatar SC

P 8 | FOOTBALL P 24 | BOXING RED-HOT ARABI GLOVES AND GLORY! Gianfranco Zola-coached Al Arabi continue The 18th Amateur World Championships, their winning streak in the Qatar Stars to be held in Doha from October 5 to 15, League by slamming four past Qatar SC. promise to be the most exciting ever.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEmBER 30, 2015 | Vol X | No.35 | QR 2.00 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Follow us on DSP graphics/Joice Michael graphics/Joice DSP

The criminal proceedings opened by Swiss authorities push FIFA President Sepp Blatter further towards Who holds the edge while his UEFA all counterpart Michel Platini too finds himself in trouble for accepting a ‘disloyal aces? payment’. PAGES 4-5

UK ...... £1 UAE ...... Dh 5 Europe ...... €2 Yemen...... 75 Riyals P 22 | ATHLETICS P 20 | POSTER Oman ...... 200 Baisas Sudan ...... 1 Pound Bahrain ...... 200 Fils KSA ...... 2 Riyals Egypt ...... LE 2 Jordan ...... 500 Fils Lebanon ...... 3,000 Livre Iraq ...... $1 Balla and his plans ROBERT Kuwait ...... 250 Fils Palestine ...... $1 EXCLUSIVE Morocco ...... Dh 6 Syria ...... LS 20 INTERVIEW for the new season LEWANDOWSKI www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 3

OPINION

» The writer can be contacted at: Editor-in-Chief Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi [email protected] Managing Editor Kumar Ravi Senior Editor/Writer Aswin Abraham Senior Sports Writer N Ganesh Sports Writers Sajith B Warrier Aju George Chris Mohammad Amin-ul Islam Sarath Pookkat IOC should consider popular Photographers Mohan Vinod Divakaran Fadi Al Assaad Mohammed Dabboos sports for Olympic inclusion A K BijuRaj Graphic Designers Abhilash Chacko HE Olympics, especially Summer Games, has the nod for inclusion of baseball/softball, for ALL Gopakumar K grown very big and it’s a humongous task men and women respectively, is indeed a big boost Joice Michael Tto organise it. For almost two decades, the for these sports, which’ve a huge following in the Technical support Shaheen Mohammed International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been Americas and also in the Far East, including Japan. Abdul Naser M exploring ways to reduce its size in order to make it Addition of surfing and skateboarding, which’re more manageable and, in the early 2000s, it decided increasingly becoming popular among the youth, to cap the number of sports to 28. too can be welcomed, but I’m surprised at the As part of Olympic Agenda ’20, the IOC also set a suggestion to include sport climbing, ahead of SPORTS, p.O. box: 24598, Doha, Qatar tel: +974 44138065, Fax: +974 44138597 cap on the number of athletes (10,500) and events the more popular squash, which was one of the www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com (310). the design of the Games has been an evolving three disciplines in the running until wrestling was Editorial: tel: +974 44138522, Fax: +974 44138593 one, but often it was the bigwigs who decided on reinstated two years ago. e-mail: [email protected] it. However, for the first time, as part of its reforms, Squash has made huge strides, positioning itself Marketing & advertising: tel: +974 44138566 the IOC gave the 2020 tokyo Games Organising as a truly global sport with its major events being e-mail: [email protected] Committee an opportunity to propose five additional broadcast in over 100 countries and player earnings ONE Distribution: tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 e-mail: [email protected] sports for inclusion. rising by more than 20 per cent this year alone. Its the tokyo organisers last monday recommended inclusion in an Olympic Games to be staged in Asia the inclusion of baseball/softball, karate, skateboard, would have been perfectly justifiable. www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus sport climbing and surfing ahead of bowling, squash I still hope the IOC would’ve a rethink on this and www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar and wushu, which were part of a shortlist of eight. deliver justice to a sport, which has been knocking at the final decision will be made by the IOC during the Olympic doors for the past 12 years. STADIUM www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar next year’s Olympics at rio de Janeiro. tokyo officials said the new disciplines would serve as a driving force to further promote the Publishers: ASpIrE printing, publishing and Distribution Olympic movement, with a focus on youth appeal, Printed at ASpIrE printing press and add value to the Games by engaging the local Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi population as well as new audiences worldwide. Editor-in-Chief

INSIDE P 14 | FOOTBALL P 23 | ATHLETICS P 30 | MOTORSPORT City’s pain is Haroun plots comeback Same as United’s gain Qatar’s Abdalelah Haroun, who set an Senna! Asian indoor 400m record earlier this year, Catch every pulse of action... Stay tuned www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com manchester United take is gearing up to return stronger in the new mercedes driver advantage of neighbours City’s season after undergoing an operation. Lewis Hamilton roars slip-up against tottenham to victory at the Japanese Hotspur to go top of the Grand prix to match the English premier League. P 26 | MOTORSPORT P 28 | BASKETBALL late Ayrton Senna’s tally of Cyprus Fiesta! Qatar in last eight 41 Formula One wins. Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution P O Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar. Ace Qatari driver Nasser Saleh Gulf champions Qatar beat Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 Al Attiyah reigns supreme in South Korea to enter the e-mail: [email protected] Cyprus for the fourth time to quarterfinal stage of Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 move closer to his 11th middle the biennial FIbA Asia e-mail: [email protected] East rally Championship crown. Championship in China. www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 3

OPINION

» The writer can be contacted at: Editor-in-Chief Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi [email protected] Managing Editor Kumar Ravi Senior Editor/Writer Aswin Abraham Senior Sports Writer N Ganesh Sports Writers Sajith B Warrier Aju George Chris Mohammad Amin-ul Islam Sarath Pookkat IOC should consider popular Photographers Mohan Vinod Divakaran Fadi Al Assaad Mohammed Dabboos sports for Olympic inclusion A K BijuRaj Graphic Designers Abhilash Chacko HE Olympics, especially Summer Games, has the nod for inclusion of baseball/softball, for Gopakumar K grown very big and it’s a humongous task men and women respectively, is indeed a big boost Joice Michael Tto organise it. For almost two decades, the for these sports, which’ve a huge following in the Technical support Shaheen Mohammed International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been Americas and also in the Far East, including Japan. Abdul Naser M exploring ways to reduce its size in order to make it Addition of surfing and skateboarding, which’re more manageable and, in the early 2000s, it decided increasingly becoming popular among the youth, to cap the number of sports to 28. too can be welcomed, but I’m surprised at the As part of Olympic Agenda ’20, the IOC also set a suggestion to include sport climbing, ahead of p.O. box: 24598, Doha, Qatar tel: +974 44138065, Fax: +974 44138597 cap on the number of athletes (10,500) and events the more popular squash, which was one of the www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com (310). the design of the Games has been an evolving three disciplines in the running until wrestling was Editorial: tel: +974 44138522, Fax: +974 44138593 one, but often it was the bigwigs who decided on reinstated two years ago. e-mail: [email protected] it. However, for the first time, as part of its reforms, Squash has made huge strides, positioning itself Marketing & advertising: tel: +974 44138566 the IOC gave the 2020 tokyo Games Organising as a truly global sport with its major events being e-mail: [email protected] Distribution: tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 Committee an opportunity to propose five additional broadcast in over 100 countries and player earnings e-mail: [email protected] sports for inclusion. rising by more than 20 per cent this year alone. Its the tokyo organisers last monday recommended inclusion in an Olympic Games to be staged in Asia the inclusion of baseball/softball, karate, skateboard, would have been perfectly justifiable. www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus sport climbing and surfing ahead of bowling, squash I still hope the IOC would’ve a rethink on this and www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar and wushu, which were part of a shortlist of eight. deliver justice to a sport, which has been knocking at the final decision will be made by the IOC during the Olympic doors for the past 12 years. www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar next year’s Olympics at rio de Janeiro. tokyo officials said the new disciplines would serve as a driving force to further promote the Publishers: ASpIrE printing, publishing and Distribution Olympic movement, with a focus on youth appeal, Printed at ASpIrE printing press and add value to the Games by engaging the local Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi population as well as new audiences worldwide. Editor-in-Chief

INSIDE P 14 | FOOTBALL P 23 | ATHLETICS P 30 | MOTORSPORT City’s pain is Haroun plots comeback Same as United’s gain Qatar’s Abdalelah Haroun, who set an Senna! Asian indoor 400m record earlier this year, manchester United take is gearing up to return stronger in the new mercedes driver advantage of neighbours City’s season after undergoing an operation. Lewis Hamilton roars slip-up against tottenham to victory at the Japanese Hotspur to go top of the Grand prix to match the English premier League. P 26 | MOTORSPORT P 28 | BASKETBALL late Ayrton Senna’s tally of Cyprus Fiesta! Qatar in last eight 41 Formula One wins. Ace Qatari driver Nasser Saleh Gulf champions Qatar beat Al Attiyah reigns supreme in South Korea to enter the Cyprus for the fourth time to quarterfinal stage of move closer to his 11th middle the biennial FIbA Asia East rally Championship crown. Championship in China. 4 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 5

FIFA announced last week that the 2022 World Cup, to be held in

Qatar World Cup Qatar, would start on November 21 with the final to be played on December 18 — cutting four days off the length of the competition. from Nov 21 World football’s governing body had previously announced the PICK OF THE WEEK | FOOTBALL to Dec 18 date of the final, but the start date of November 21 means the tournament will be just 28 days in duration — the shortest since the competition switched to a 32-team format in 1998.

2011 and Nicolas Leoz accepted top football officials Hussein by 133 votes to misappropriated funds COVER STORY illegal payments from including two FIFA vice- 77 in the second round of and violated his duties June 1 collapsed sports marketing presidents. the seven are voting. as the head of world company ISL. blatter is among 14 people wanted football’s governing Sepp blatter returns for a cleared of any misconduct. in the US, where Attorney body. blatter is suspected fourth term as president June 2 General Loretta Lynch of “disloyal payment” and vows a reform agenda. said an investigation had Just four days after to UEFA head michel FIFA had launched an May 6 uncovered decades of his election triumph, but platini. inquiry into alleged illegal September 17 FIFA’s Ethics Committee bribery in world football with the corruption storm payments one month FIFA suspends Secretary suspends former CONCACAF amounting to more than still roaring, blatter says before his election. General Jerome Valcke over September 29 general secretary Chuck $150m. he will organise a new blazer for ethics breaches. election to choose a new misconduct allegations FIFA’s Ethics Committee June 23 and places him under bans for life its former Under a president. investigation. FIFA bans its former 2014 executive Jack Warner over vice-president mohammed December 17 repeated misconduct. bin Hammam of Qatar for life July 15 September 18 TIMELINE Former US attorney michael Switzerland hands over for misconduct. bin Hamman Garcia resigns as head of Valcke denies “fabricated Jeffrey Webb, one of the resigns from all positions in FIFA’s investigatory body in and outrageous” seven detained December, 2012. protest at the handling of allegations that led to his FIFA suspects, to the his report into corruption. suspension, his US-based 2013 US. the deposed FIFA lawyer says. vice-president and April 30 2015 CONCACAF chief is FIFA’s Ethics Committee says May 27 May 29 accused of taking September 25 Joao Havelange and former police raid a Zurich hotel blatter is re-elected for a bribes for television Criminal proceedings are Executive Committee on the eve of a FIFA fifth term as FIFA president, contracts for football opened against blatter members ricardo teixeira Congress and arrest seven beating Prince Ali bin Al tournaments. on suspicion that he

E trIED every way he could, until February. right up until the Swiss attorney so often sought to protect blatter What an unpalatable situation that It must be questionable whether THE CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS OPENED BY for months on end, to avoid Even by FIFA’s standards of general knocked at his door, blatter from adverse publicity, must now feel would be though Hayatou would only platini’s attempts at appeasing his Hbeing snared in the same net unpredictability, however, the events was pointing the fingers at others, justice is being done. keep the seat warm for a permanent European colleagues will have the cloud!as so many now-disgraced former of the past few days have been utterly insisting in his column for FIFA’s but if Valcke was relieved of his successor. but will it be platini? desired effect when there’s still no SWISS AUTHORITIES PUSH FIFA CHIEF SEPP colleagues. extraordinary. It all started, of course, in-house magazine that anyone duties for alleged involvement in If blatter is a worried man, then detail provided on the wording of the I left FIFA in April, BLATTER FURTHER TOWARDS THE EDGE He used every tactic at his disposal with that press conference which being targeted by the ongoing US a ticketing scam, surely a criminal platini must be having nightmares contract he undertook. 2011, and if in WHILE HIS UEFA COUNTERPART MICHEL to create a positive lasting legacy: blatter was supposed to host, the first corruption probe and the parallel investigation is far more serious? having been implicated for having the fact that both blatter and September, ’15 PLATINI TOO FINDS HIMSELF IN TROUBLE banging the drum for reform, since his trusted No.2 Jerome Valcke Swiss investigation should co-operate the answer perhaps lies in the way allegedly been paid those $2.06m platini were named by Swiss attorney FIFA wants to ban insisting he was clean, protesting was thrown out over an alleged “no matter how close to home those FIFA is structured. Only the president for consultancy work he carried out general’s office must now raise the me for life without FOR ACCEPTING A ‘DISLOYAL PAYMENT’, that he was always at the mercy of World Cup ticket scam. investigations get”. He wasn’t to can get rid of his No.2. but only the between 1999 and ’02 when he was possibility that both might now be even a hearing, WRITES ANDREW WARSHAW. his confederation heads, promising more than 100 reporters had know just how close to home those Ethics Committee can suspend the blatter’s technical advisor. referred to FIFA’s Ethics Committee. then so be it. I don’t to co-operate fully with the ongoing converged on the FIFA headquarters, inquiries were to be. president. So why didn’t they? I’m the fact that the money wasn’t On tuesday, the whole saga took believe, however, probes into his beleaguered, battered only to have the press conference When he penned his column, told the reason is lack of evidence. paid for another nine years, by which an unexpected twist when the same that this’ll serve as organisation. but now, it seems, time blatter was probably thinking of FIFA blatter may be suspected of criminal ethics body decided to ban Warner for the distraction to may catch up with Sepp blatter. Secretary General Valcke, his mismanagement or misappropriation life even though the disgraced former the FIFA’s present Ever since last may, when the US VALCKE, WHO HAS long-time right-hand man suspended over a tV rights deal he signed with IF IT’S WRONGFUL TO FIFA vice-president and Confederation problems as the FIFA justice authorities announced that DENIED ALL ALLEGATIONS over allegations of the former Caribbean football chief GIVE THE MONEY, THEN of North, Central American and wishes it to be. bombshell list of indictments which AGAINST HIM, IS HAVING black-market ticket sales. Jack Warner in 2005, and of making SURELY IT’S WRONGFUL Caribbean Association Football chief, ŢŢSepp blatter, left, brought FIFA to its knees, the world Yet now, in a way, Valcke, who “a disloyal payment” of $2.06m to wanted by US authorities as part of having a word with THE LAST LAUGH. TO ACCEPT IT. Jack Warner, michel platini. has been wondering how long the has strongly denied all allegations platini in ’11. but that, apparently, isn’t their $150m corruption investigation, former FIFA vice-president. man at the top could last. against him, is having the last laugh. enough. the Ethics Committee needs had himself walked away from the Until last week, it was assumed suddenly, inexplicably called off the Frenchman is understood to be more hard evidence and you can time platini had taken over at UEFA, game four years ago after being he would hold out at least until just minutes beforehand. We soon highly resentful of the way he was bet your bottom dollar that they’re is a mystery and has led to serious suspended for facilitating the February, the date of the election found out why. blatter was being thrown to the wolves by his boss. working on it. questions about whether there was a infamous cash-for-votes meeting in Leadership change to replace him, having himself interviewed in office several floors up Some sources suggest blatter acted but what of the immediate future hidden agenda. tellingly perhaps, the his native trinidad. announced, under the sheer and placed formally under criminal as he did in order to punish Valcke for if and when blatter does call it a day sum was paid shortly before blatter Warner gave up all his FIFA roles needed, says Chung weight of pressure, that he investigation on suspicion of financial refusing to enter the election race and before the scheduled election? On an was elected FIFA president for the and one plausible interpretation of would step down nine mismanagement. stand against UEFA president michel interim basis, Issa Hayatou, as FIFA’s fourth time. banning him now is that the Ethics OUtH Korean FIFA presidential candidate months into his fifth History suggests it’s never wise to platini, a one-time protege of blatter senior vice-president, would step platini says the payment was Committee, which didn’t exist in its Chung Mong-Joon insists the game’s term. write off blatter, the man who over who had helped him first secure the into blatter’s shoes, a man himself completely above board and current format at the time he quit, is Sembattled governing body is still the right blatter issued four decades somehow maintained hot seat in 1998 but who had turned, tainted with corruption made under contract. but a dark keen to tie up as many loose ends as organisation to run the world’s most popular sport, a statement last his grip on FIFA despite all manner Shakespearean-style, against the having been caught shadow has been cast over his FIFA possible before it can consider action but only if the current leadership is ousted. monday insisting of crises and scandals. Even when veteran Swiss. in a row over presidential aspirations and, as a against the current big hitters. In a statement pushing his case that he was the he had done he finally agreed to call it a day next Valcke, who had suspected bribes result, he was compelled to protest Having been dragged into the right man to lead change, Chung said he supported “nothing illegal February, he insisted he was going paid by FIFA’s his innocence to UEFA’s all members. sport’s worst-ever corruption crisis, the ongoing investigations taking place or improper” on his own terms. but now, it may ex-marketing In a letter to UEFA’s 54 federation platini’s odds of succeeding blatter into alleged corruption in FIFA, but and would no longer be in his partner ISL chiefs, whose backing he desperately have been lengthened while his believed the running of the sport be digging hands. in 2000. needs if he is to take blatter’s place credentials, or lack of them, have been should not be given to ‘outsiders’. in his heels next February, platini sought to offer cited by his critics as evidence that “the most urgent task at hand is an explanation about the sum, but FIFA needs fresh leadership. to root out corruption from within still left unanswered why it took until prince Ali bin Al Hussein of Jordan FIFA,” he said. “Justice must be ’11 for it to be paid when it was for has suddenly been catapulted into served. resuscitating FIFA, however, work carried out between ’99 and ’02. a far stronger position in his second should be left to those who love football. the Just like blatter, platini has denied tilt for the presidency, with several future of the game shouldn’t be left in the hands of any wrongdoing, but his situation associations who may not have outsiders.” is potentially much worse because backed him now likely to switch the 63-year-old said FIFA was facing an blatter has, at best, five months to their allegiance from platini. Not unprecedented crisis. go whereas platini’s entire future surprisingly, prince Ali been quick to meanwhile, another presidential candidate prince is at stake, with the deadline for seize on platini’s discomfort. Ali bin Al Hussein of Jordan said FIFA had been candidates to enter the race less As ever with FIFA, everything is in decimated by the recent wave of scandals and that than a month away. the timing. And this is not the end of it. he heard it from ‘many member associations.’ www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 5

FIFA announced last week that the 2022 World Cup, to be held in

Qatar World Cup Qatar, would start on November 21 with the final to be played on December 18 — cutting four days off the length of the competition. from Nov 21 World football’s governing body had previously announced the to Dec 18 date of the final, but the start date of November 21 means the tournament will be just 28 days in duration — the shortest since the competition switched to a 32-team format in 1998.

and Nicolas Leoz accepted top football officials Hussein by 133 votes to misappropriated funds 2011 illegal payments from including two FIFA vice- 77 in the second round of and violated his duties June 1 collapsed sports marketing presidents. the seven are voting. as the head of world company ISL. blatter is among 14 people wanted football’s governing Sepp blatter returns for a cleared of any misconduct. in the US, where Attorney body. blatter is suspected fourth term as president June 2 General Loretta Lynch of “disloyal payment” and vows a reform agenda. said an investigation had Just four days after to UEFA head michel FIFA had launched an May 6 uncovered decades of his election triumph, but platini. inquiry into alleged illegal September 17 FIFA’s Ethics Committee bribery in world football with the corruption storm payments one month FIFA suspends Secretary suspends former CONCACAF amounting to more than still roaring, blatter says before his election. General Jerome Valcke over September 29 general secretary Chuck $150m. he will organise a new blazer for ethics breaches. election to choose a new misconduct allegations FIFA’s Ethics Committee June 23 president. and places him under bans for life its former investigation. FIFA bans its former 2014 executive Jack Warner over vice-president mohammed December 17 repeated misconduct. bin Hammam of Qatar for life July 15 September 18 TIMELINE Former US attorney michael Switzerland hands over for misconduct. bin Hamman Garcia resigns as head of Valcke denies “fabricated Jeffrey Webb, one of the resigns from all positions in FIFA’s investigatory body in and outrageous” seven detained December, 2012. protest at the handling of allegations that led to his FIFA suspects, to the his report into corruption. suspension, his US-based 2013 US. the deposed FIFA lawyer says. vice-president and April 30 2015 CONCACAF chief is FIFA’s Ethics Committee says May 27 May 29 accused of taking September 25 Joao Havelange and former police raid a Zurich hotel blatter is re-elected for a bribes for television Criminal proceedings are Executive Committee on the eve of a FIFA fifth term as FIFA president, contracts for football opened against blatter members ricardo teixeira Congress and arrest seven beating Prince Ali bin Al tournaments. on suspicion that he so often sought to protect blatter What an unpalatable situation that It must be questionable whether from adverse publicity, must now feel would be though Hayatou would only platini’s attempts at appeasing his justice is being done. keep the seat warm for a permanent European colleagues will have the but if Valcke was relieved of his successor. but will it be platini? desired effect when there’s still no duties for alleged involvement in If blatter is a worried man, then detail provided on the wording of the I left FIFA in April, a ticketing scam, surely a criminal platini must be having nightmares contract he undertook. 2011, and if in investigation is far more serious? having been implicated for having the fact that both blatter and September, ’15 the answer perhaps lies in the way allegedly been paid those $2.06m platini were named by Swiss attorney FIFA wants to ban FIFA is structured. Only the president for consultancy work he carried out general’s office must now raise the me for life without can get rid of his No.2. but only the between 1999 and ’02 when he was possibility that both might now be even a hearing, Ethics Committee can suspend the blatter’s technical advisor. referred to FIFA’s Ethics Committee. then so be it. I don’t president. So why didn’t they? I’m the fact that the money wasn’t On tuesday, the whole saga took believe, however, told the reason is lack of evidence. paid for another nine years, by which an unexpected twist when the same that this’ll serve as blatter may be suspected of criminal ethics body decided to ban Warner for the distraction to mismanagement or misappropriation life even though the disgraced former the FIFA’s present over a tV rights deal he signed with IF IT’S WRONGFUL TO FIFA vice-president and Confederation problems as the FIFA the former Caribbean football chief GIVE THE MONEY, THEN of North, Central American and wishes it to be. Jack Warner in 2005, and of making SURELY IT’S WRONGFUL Caribbean Association Football chief, “a disloyal payment” of $2.06m to TO ACCEPT IT. wanted by US authorities as part of Jack Warner, platini in ’11. but that, apparently, isn’t their $150m corruption investigation, former FIFA vice-president. enough. the Ethics Committee needs had himself walked away from the more hard evidence and you can time platini had taken over at UEFA, game four years ago after being bet your bottom dollar that they’re is a mystery and has led to serious suspended for facilitating the working on it. questions about whether there was a infamous cash-for-votes meeting in Leadership change but what of the immediate future hidden agenda. tellingly perhaps, the his native trinidad. if and when blatter does call it a day sum was paid shortly before blatter Warner gave up all his FIFA roles needed, says Chung before the scheduled election? On an was elected FIFA president for the and one plausible interpretation of interim basis, Issa Hayatou, as FIFA’s fourth time. banning him now is that the Ethics OUtH Korean FIFA presidential candidate senior vice-president, would step platini says the payment was Committee, which didn’t exist in its Chung Mong-Joon insists the game’s into blatter’s shoes, a man himself completely above board and current format at the time he quit, is Sembattled governing body is still the right tainted with corruption made under contract. but a dark keen to tie up as many loose ends as organisation to run the world’s most popular sport, having been caught shadow has been cast over his FIFA possible before it can consider action but only if the current leadership is ousted. in a row over presidential aspirations and, as a against the current big hitters. In a statement pushing his case that he was the suspected bribes result, he was compelled to protest Having been dragged into the right man to lead change, Chung said he supported paid by FIFA’s his innocence to UEFA’s all members. sport’s worst-ever corruption crisis, the ongoing investigations taking place ex-marketing In a letter to UEFA’s 54 federation platini’s odds of succeeding blatter into alleged corruption in FIFA, but partner ISL chiefs, whose backing he desperately have been lengthened while his believed the running of the sport in 2000. needs if he is to take blatter’s place credentials, or lack of them, have been should not be given to ‘outsiders’. next February, platini sought to offer cited by his critics as evidence that “the most urgent task at hand is an explanation about the sum, but FIFA needs fresh leadership. to root out corruption from within still left unanswered why it took until prince Ali bin Al Hussein of Jordan FIFA,” he said. “Justice must be ’11 for it to be paid when it was for has suddenly been catapulted into served. resuscitating FIFA, however, work carried out between ’99 and ’02. a far stronger position in his second should be left to those who love football. the Just like blatter, platini has denied tilt for the presidency, with several future of the game shouldn’t be left in the hands of any wrongdoing, but his situation associations who may not have outsiders.” is potentially much worse because backed him now likely to switch the 63-year-old said FIFA was facing an blatter has, at best, five months to their allegiance from platini. Not unprecedented crisis. go whereas platini’s entire future surprisingly, prince Ali been quick to meanwhile, another presidential candidate prince is at stake, with the deadline for seize on platini’s discomfort. Ali bin Al Hussein of Jordan said FIFA had been candidates to enter the race less As ever with FIFA, everything is in decimated by the recent wave of scandals and that than a month away. the timing. And this is not the end of it. he heard it from ‘many member associations.’ 6 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 7

FOOTBALL | QATAR

to take up the sport. Naturalisation can’t be the solution to the Qatar have talented country’s football woes and there’s no short cut to success,” added youngsters, says Xavi Anbar. Former barcelona star Xavi Hernandez, who Another challenge awaits Qatar now dons the Al Sadd colours, expressed hope at the Asian U-19 Championship, that Qatari juniors would do well in future where they open their campaign tournaments. in Group D against Kyrgyzstan on Xavi, who also works as a football consultant Friday in Doha. Oman and Lebanon at the ASpIrE Academy, watched most of Qatar’s are the other teams in the group. matches during the GCC Under-17 and Asian Qatar failed to cross the group U-16 qualification at the Aspire Dome. “Qatar has talented players despite its small stage of the GCC U-19 tournament FLAGGING population. I’ve looked at all players during the QATAR’S AGE-GROUP TEAMS’ RECENT and another failure would leave a tournament. they’ve good education, knowledge huge question mark on the team, and concepts which are essential, but we also FAILURES, INCLUDING THE ONE AT and more importantly, on the need to perfect them,” said Xavi. šş Qatar Under-19 THE ASIAN UNDER-16 CHAMPIONSHIP quality of training. “I enjoy working with these talents. I want team... raring to go. FORTUNES? badr bilal, who scored three to share my experience and help Qatar develop Tough task for Qatar in QUALIFIERS, SUGGEST SOMETHING IS NOT goals in the ’81 tournament where future players,” added the Sadd captain. With seven years to go for the FIFA World Cup HE triumph at the Asian Championship finals in India. and hunger to do well. Qatar Qatar lost to Germany in the final, RIGHT WITH THE WAY THEY ARE GROOMED, in Qatar, the academy boys are in a decisive stage WRITES MOHAMMAD AMIN-UL ISLAM. Under-19 Championship last Qatar’s third and sixth-place has a small population and however, exuded confidence. of development and Xavi’s presence can inspire Asian U-19 qualifiers Tyear made Qatar, looking to finishes at the recent GCC we’re struggling to get enough “We’ve very good players in both and motivate them in a big way. build a strong team by the time Under-17 and U-19 Championship good players whereas Iraq and age-group teams. I hope our U-19 “Qatar want to immerse themselves in the SIAN Under-19 champions KICK-OFF football culture of barcelona and Spain. I sincerely they host the World Cup in 2022, respectively were not encouraging tajikistan or even turkmenistan side will qualify for the next round,” Qatar have a tough task on Qatar vs Kyrgyzstan hope they prepare a good side for the ’22 World dream big, but just a year either. already have a football culture and Ahand as they get ready to Friday, Al Arabi Stadium, 6pm. later, the myanmar the coaches at the ASpIrE system in place,” a senior coach Cup,” he added. defend their title. October 2 Oman vs Lebanon Al Arabi Stadium, 8.30pm. success looks like a Academy are working hard to at the academy, on condition of A LOT OF EFFORTS HAVE Qatar will host the qualifiers in ŢŢQatar’s Oman vs Kyrgyzstan, Qatar mohammed flash in the pan. develop a bunch of players good anonymity, told Doha Stadium Plus. BEEN MADE TO IMPROVE Group D, which also comprises Sunday, Sports Club, 6pm. bahramen and the latest enough to feature in the future Qatar’s performance has raised THE STANDARD OF THE Kyrgyzstan, Oman and Lebanon, October 4 Qatar vs Lebanon tajikistan’s disappointment national teams, but there is still a doubts about the team’s overall GAME IN THE COUNTRY. from Friday. Qatar Sports Club, 8.30pm. Nurmatov Khuseyn Qatar vs Oman fight for the came at home when lot of work to be done. standard and the work being done A total of 16 teams will qualify Tuesday, Al Arabi Stadium, 6pm. ball during their Qatar’s U-16 team the U-16 side, coached by at the academy. for the final round, to be held in October 6 Lebanon vs Kyrgyzstan Asian Under-16 Al Arabi Stadium, 8.30pm. Championship failed to qualify for Dutchman Arno buitenweg who While Qatar failed miserably, said badr. “If they continue in the bahrain, with the top four sides qualifier. next year’s Asian some other Gulf teams such as right way, many of them will be a there making it to the 2017 FIFA Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and part of the team in ’22.” U-20 World Cup in South Korea. GCC Championship. QATAR HAS A SMALL the UAE reached the final round, “the U-16 team’s result left us most of Qatar’s team members From the team that played at POPULATION AND WE’RE to be held from September 15 to sad, but it’ll make us grow,” said who triumphed at the Asian the FIFA U-20 World Cup in New STRUGGLING TO GET October 2 next year. Even the small ASpIrE Academy’s Football Director Championship in myanmar, have Zealand in may-June this year, ENOUGH GOOD PLAYERS. Himalayan kingdom of Nepal, roberto Olabe, who now has the şş Xavi Hernandez, been fast-tracked to the U-23 only goalkeepers mohammed 185th in FIFA rankings, booked additional charge of the U-19 side foreground, and team while their coach Felix Al bakari and Yazan Naim as their berth as the fourth best after portuguese Joao pereira was ASpIrE Academy Sanchez too was promoted. well as defenders tareq Salman, Director General runners-up. relieved of his duties. Ivan bravo watch ASpIrE Academy Football bassam Husham and Abdullah “today’s youth have a lot of A lot of efforts have been made the GCC Under-17 Director roberto Olabe has been Abdulsalam, all born in 1997, match between distractions like mobile phones. to improve the standard of the Qatar and Oman at temporarily put in charge of the are retained in the current U-19

they spend their time more on hi- game in the country. Clubs recruit K BijuRaj DSP/A the Aspire Dome. U-19 side after its failure in the squad. joined the academy in ’12, finished tech gadgets and hang around. foreign coaches and star players third in Group C behind Saudi they’re so much hooked to the in a bid to make the Qatar Stars Arabia and tajikistan in the Asian foreign leagues that they aren’t League more competitive and Sanchez’s wards face first big challenge event. Qatar lost two matches, interested in our own league,” said also give the local players the with their only win coming against former Qatar international mubarak opportunity to match their wits AtAr will take on many players from the U-19 Championship is an opportunity for TEAMS turkmenistan. Anbar. against some of the top performers palestine in their opening team that triumphed at the Asian us to test our players individually GROUP A GROUP B GROUP C the Qatari boys, trained by the ex-Al Sadd captain belongs from around the world. Qgroup match of the Championship in myanmar and collectively. We want to make Qatar Iran UAE experienced European coaches to Qatar’s golden generation, which much time and resources have inaugural West Asian last year. Spaniard Felix effective use of this tournament to Jordan Saudi Arabia Oman at the state-of-the-art ASpIrE finished as runners-up at the 1981 been put into building a youth Football Federation Sanchez, who guided acquire a good level in time for the palestine bahrain Syria Academy, struggled to cope with FIFA World Youth Championship in structure so that Qatar are ready (WAFF) Under-23 that team, is in charge Asian U-23 Championship,” said Yemen those from Iraq and tajikistan. Australia. for the ’22 World Cup. It all sounds Championship at the of the side. Felix. “Football isn’t just about “We must think of something good, but the results are not Lekhwiya Stadium on “We’re starting a facilities, it’s also about luck creative to encourage the local boys favourable. Wednesday. new process by adding bahrain, Iran, Jordan, some of the boys who Oman, Saudi Arabia, Syria, played in myanmar and WHAT THEY SAID UAE and Yemen are the other at the U-20 World Cup in New teams in the 15-day tournament, Zealand to this team. the WAFF “today’s youth “We’ve very good players in both “the Under-16 to be played on a league-cum- have a lot of Under-16 and U-19 teams. If team’s result left us knockout basis. distractions like they continue in the right way, sad, but it’ll make KICK-OFF the event has added significance All matches at the Lekhwiya Stadium. hi-tech gadgets. many of them will be a part of us grow. as it will give seven of the teams Wednesday, Jordan vs Yemen, 4.30pm. they’re so much the team in ’22. Roberto Olabe, (except palestine, Oman and September 30 Qatar vs palestine, 7.30pm. Iran vs bahrain, 4.30pm. hooked to the Badr Bilal, ASpIrE Academy bahrain) a chance to prepare Thursday, October 1 UAE vs Syria, 7.30pm. foreign leagues that ex-Qatar Football Director. for the inaugural Asian U-23 palestine vs Yemen, 4.30pm. Championship, also to be held in Saturday, they aren’t interested in our international. October 3 Qatar vs Jordan, 7.30pm. own league. Doha from January 12 to 30 next Sunday, Iran vs Saudi Arabia, 4.30pm. year. October 4 UAE vs Oman, 7.30pm. Mubarak Anbar, former Qatar şşA new-look It will be the first big test for the Tuesday, Jordan vs palestine, 4.30pm. international. Qatar have a October 6 Qatar vs Yemen, 7.30pm. DSP/Fadi Al Assaad DSP/Fadi DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod new-look Qatar team, comprising task on hand. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 7

game in the country. Clubs recruit K BijuRaj DSP/A the Aspire Dome. U-19 side after its failure in the squad. foreign coaches and star players in a bid to make the Qatar Stars League more competitive and Sanchez’s wards face first big challenge also give the local players the opportunity to match their wits AtAr will take on many players from the U-19 Championship is an opportunity for TEAMS against some of the top performers palestine in their opening team that triumphed at the Asian us to test our players individually GROUP A GROUP B GROUP C from around the world. Qgroup match of the Championship in myanmar and collectively. We want to make Qatar Iran UAE much time and resources have inaugural West Asian last year. Spaniard Felix effective use of this tournament to Jordan Saudi Arabia Oman been put into building a youth Football Federation Sanchez, who guided acquire a good level in time for the palestine bahrain Syria structure so that Qatar are ready (WAFF) Under-23 that team, is in charge Asian U-23 Championship,” said Yemen for the ’22 World Cup. It all sounds Championship at the of the side. Felix. good, but the results are not Lekhwiya Stadium on “We’re starting a favourable. Wednesday. new process by adding bahrain, Iran, Jordan, some of the boys who Oman, Saudi Arabia, Syria, played in myanmar and WHAT THEY SAID UAE and Yemen are the other at the U-20 World Cup in New teams in the 15-day tournament, Zealand to this team. the WAFF “We’ve very good players in both “the Under-16 to be played on a league-cum- Under-16 and U-19 teams. If team’s result left us knockout basis. they continue in the right way, sad, but it’ll make KICK-OFF the event has added significance All matches at the Lekhwiya Stadium. many of them will be a part of us grow. as it will give seven of the teams Wednesday, Jordan vs Yemen, 4.30pm. the team in ’22. Roberto Olabe, (except palestine, Oman and September 30 Qatar vs palestine, 7.30pm. Iran vs bahrain, 4.30pm. Badr Bilal, ASpIrE Academy bahrain) a chance to prepare Thursday, October 1 UAE vs Syria, 7.30pm. ex-Qatar Football Director. for the inaugural Asian U-23 palestine vs Yemen, 4.30pm. Championship, also to be held in Saturday, international. October 3 Qatar vs Jordan, 7.30pm. Doha from January 12 to 30 next Sunday, Iran vs Saudi Arabia, 4.30pm. year. October 4 UAE vs Oman, 7.30pm. şA new-look Jordan vs palestine, 4.30pm. ş It will be the first big test for the Tuesday, Qatar have a October 6 Qatar vs Yemen, 7.30pm. new-look Qatar team, comprising task on hand. Al Assaad DSP/Fadi 8 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 9 FOOTBALL | QATAR

QSL WEEK 3 | SHORT TAKES

AL GHARAFA 2 AL AHLI 0 MESAIMEER 0 AL SAILIYA 1

Seven-time champions Gharafa, who were reduced Sailiya, who had suffered identical 0-4 defeats against RED-HOT to 10 men soon after the hour mark, saw off Ahli for Al rayyan and El Jaish, collected their first points by their second straight win. Congolese forward Alain defeating promoted side mesaimeer. Osam mousa’s Dioko, a former Ahli player, opened the account in the own goal (63rd) made the standout difference. 44th while Fahad Al Shammari added the second in ARABI injury time. AL ARABI MAINTAIN THEIR GOOD FORM BY ROUTING QATAR SC WHILE HOLDERS LEKHWIYA, SADD, RAYYAN, JAISH AND GHARAFA TOO EL JAISH 0 AL KHOR 0

REMAIN UNBEATEN IN THE QATAR STARS LEAGUE, WRITES N GANESH. Jaish started as the favourites against Khor, but Sabri Lamouchi’s men struggled to convert their domination into goals, with their front players wasting a handful of opportunities. the single point was a big relief for HAmpIONS Lekhwiya and their “We stayed focused throughout Fossati, who took charge this season. Khor coach Jean Fernandez, who was under pressure potential challengers — Al the game and that made our win An inspiring display by Xavi following their defeats in the first two matches. they are yet to score a goal this season. Crayyan, Al Sadd, El Jaish and possible,” said Lekhwiya coach Hernandez saw Sadd breeze past Al Gharafa — have all remained Djamel belmadi. Wakrah. brazilian muriqui, who unbeaten in the Qatar Stars League rayyan were expected to face a was off-colour against Umm Salal, AL SADD 4 AL WAKRAH 1 (QSL) though three rounds are not tough test from Umm Salal, who rediscovered his scoring touch with enough to determine their strengths had held Sadd in the previous week, a brace. brazilian striker muriqui struck twice in the second half (68th, 86th) as Sadd drubbed Wakrah to continue and weaknesses. but it was not to be as the Lions Jaish, who have finished their unbeaten run. Abdulkarim Hassan (31st) and Surprise package Al Arabi blanked dominated their rivals from the word among the top four since winning Nadir belhadj (59th) were the other scorers for Sadd Qatar Sports Club 4-0 to continue go. Egged on by a cheering crowd, promotion to the premier division while Argentinian Sebastian Saez netted Wakrah’s lone goal in the 84th. their winning run. they will be eager rayyan steadily unleashed attacks, in the 2011-12 season and are to build on their fine start, having with a double strike from Sebastian desperate to win the title, paid for signed experienced defender Dame Soria and a fine effort from rodrigo their slack finishing as Khor held traore from Lekhwiya. tabata giving them an easy win. them goalless and took home the cops scripted a thumping 7-0 their first point. Jaish coach Sabri win over Al Kharaitiyat while Sadd Lamouchi, however, looked at and rayyan too were impressive, LEKHWIYA WERE BACK the performance positively and seeing off Al Wakrah (4-1) and Umm TO THEIR MENACING promised they would bounce back. LEKHWIYA 7 AL KHARAITIYAT 0 Salal (3-1) respectively. rayyan, who BEST WHILE DRUBBING Seven-time champions Gharafa are tied with Arabi on nine points, KHARAITIYAT. beat Al Ahli 2-0 for their second Champions Lekhwiya turned in a fine all-round occupy the top spot in the table, straight victory. display to rout Kharaitiyat. Vladimir Weiss (16th, 52nd) and Youssef msakni (48th, 83rd) netted a brace owing to their better goal difference. In last week’s only other game, Al each while mohammed razzaq (16th), Nam tae-Hee Lekhwiya were back to their Yannick Sagbo was Umm Salal’s lone Sailiya defeated mesaimeer 1-0. (50th) and Khaled muftah (70th) too chipped in with a goal apiece. menacing best while drubbing scorer. KICK-OFF Kharaitiyat. rayyan coach Jorge Fossati said it Al Ahli vs Al Sadd the thunders have built a was too early to talk about their title Al Ahli Stadium, 5.45pm. reputation as an organised side since chances. Al Sailiya vs Lekhwiya Thursday, Al Sadd Stadium, 5.45pm. Amar Osim took charge as coach last “We’re targeting a top-four finish October 1 Al Arabi vs Al Gharafa February and they looked solid in and anything better than that will Al Sadd Stadium, 8pm. the beginning. but once Lekhwiya’s be a bonus for us. I’m happy with Al Kharaitiyat vs El Jaish Al Ahli Stadium, 8pm. skilful winger Vladimir Weiss our performance against Umm Salal, Al rayyan vs mesaimeer şşAl Arabi’s unlocked their defence and scored who’re an organised team. It offers Al Gharafa Stadium, 5.45pm. Junior Dutra, right, the opener in the 16th minute, us a lot of hope, but I don’t want to Friday, Qatar SC vs Umm Salal celebrates with October 2 Al Gharafa Stadium, 8pm. team-mates after Kharaitiyat tumbled and surrendered put my players under pressure with Al Khor vs Al Wakrah scoring against AL RAYYAN 3 UMM SALAL 1 Al Khor Stadium, 8pm. meekly. talks about title at this moment,” said Dabboos DSP/Mohammed Qatar SC. rayyan scored an easy victory against Umm Salal to remain on top of the standings. Sebastian Soria netted a brace (31st and 71st) after rodrigo tabata put STARTING TROUBLE SURPRISE PACKAGE the Lions ahead in the 12th. Ivorian striker Yannick Will a change of coach work? Arabi are turning out QATAR SC AL ARABI Sagbo scored Umm Salal’s consolation goal in the THINGS LEARNT DURING THE THIRD WEEK Ask the question to Qatar Sports to be the surprise 0 4 61st. Club’s Radhi Shenaishil and package. they had he may be slightly perplexed. brought in Chelsea Arabi registered their third successive win, this time OF HEROES AND CHEERS the Iraqi was made the coach great Gianfranco Zola seeing off Qatar Sports Club. brazilian striker paulinho Al rayyan fans are celebrating their team’s return to the last season when Qatar SC as coach, yet hardly gave a perfect start to Gianfranco Zola’s side by scoring top flight. they have been reaching in thousands for sacked Ivan Hasek after they anybody put their SAME OLD STORY in the very first minute. Second-half goals from mosaab mahmoud (51st), Junior Dutra (75th) and rod the last three rounds. their heroes have not let them lost the first two games against money on them. but Al Wakrah, who narrowly avoided Fanni (78th) made things easy for the reds. down, winning all three games. the management Lekhwiya and Al Ahli. radhi three rounds on, they relegation in the last two seasons, had too has been encouraging the supporters to the hilt. If helped them finish fourth last KHARAITIYAT AT THE RECEIVING END have as many wins promised to start this time on a strong rayyan president Sheikh Saud bin Khalid Al thani left time in the league, but they Kharaitiyat have been commanding a lot of respect from and are second in note, but nothing seems to be going the VIp stand and sat with them at the end of the last have been terrible this season, rival teams ever since Amar Osim took charge last February. the table. more right for them at the moment. they match against Al Khor, this time they had yesteryear losing three matches on the trot, However, they were a shattered lot last week after suffering a importantly, the reds are currently 12th, having lost all three hero Mansour Muftah among them. As rayyan’s new scoring two goals and letting 0-7 defeat against Lekhwiya. Defence has been the thunders’ have not conceded a games, with the 1-4 defeat last week stars ran riot against Umm Salal, one fan held aloft a in nine. Qatar SC, currently at big strength, but they committed mistakes time and time goal so far, a point Zola against Al Sadd being the latest reversal. banner with a photograph of Fabio Cesar in rayyan the bottom of the table, are again at the rear as Lekhwiya ran riot. Captain Abdallah wants to highlight. the team management is infamous for colours which read “We’ll not forget you”. Fabio was a up against Umm Salal next. Albattat and brazilian defender Domigos Nascimento engaged its impatience when it comes to sacking big hit at the club before returning to Umm Salal at the Another slip is sure to put his job in heated arguments, reflecting their frustration. Kharaitiyat coaches and Jose mauricio is feeling the end of 2013-14 season. on the line. are up against Jaish next week and Osim has his task cut out. heat. 8 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 9 FOOTBALL | QATAR

QSL WEEK 3 | SHORT TAKES

AL GHARAFA 2 AL AHLI 0 MESAIMEER 0 AL SAILIYA 1

REMAIN UNBEATEN IN THE QATAR STARS LEAGUE, WRITES N GANESH. Jaish started as the favourites against Khor, but Sabri Lamouchi’s men struggled to convert their domination into goals, with their front players wasting a handful of opportunities. the single point was a big relief for HAmpIONS Lekhwiya and their “We stayed focused throughout Fossati, who took charge this season. Khor coach Jean Fernandez, who was under pressure potential challengers — Al the game and that made our win An inspiring display by Xavi following their defeats in the first two matches. they are yet to score a goal this season. Crayyan, Al Sadd, El Jaish and possible,” said Lekhwiya coach Hernandez saw Sadd breeze past Al Gharafa — have all remained Djamel belmadi. Wakrah. brazilian muriqui, who unbeaten in the Qatar Stars League rayyan were expected to face a was off-colour against Umm Salal, AL SADD 4 AL WAKRAH 1 (QSL) though three rounds are not tough test from Umm Salal, who rediscovered his scoring touch with enough to determine their strengths had held Sadd in the previous week, a brace. brazilian striker muriqui struck twice in the second half (68th, 86th) as Sadd drubbed Wakrah to continue and weaknesses. but it was not to be as the Lions Jaish, who have finished their unbeaten run. Abdulkarim Hassan (31st) and Surprise package Al Arabi blanked dominated their rivals from the word among the top four since winning Nadir belhadj (59th) were the other scorers for Sadd Qatar Sports Club 4-0 to continue go. Egged on by a cheering crowd, promotion to the premier division while Argentinian Sebastian Saez netted Wakrah’s lone goal in the 84th. their winning run. they will be eager rayyan steadily unleashed attacks, in the 2011-12 season and are to build on their fine start, having with a double strike from Sebastian desperate to win the title, paid for signed experienced defender Dame Soria and a fine effort from rodrigo their slack finishing as Khor held traore from Lekhwiya. tabata giving them an easy win. them goalless and took home the cops scripted a thumping 7-0 their first point. Jaish coach Sabri win over Al Kharaitiyat while Sadd Lamouchi, however, looked at and rayyan too were impressive, LEKHWIYA WERE BACK the performance positively and seeing off Al Wakrah (4-1) and Umm TO THEIR MENACING promised they would bounce back. LEKHWIYA 7 AL KHARAITIYAT 0 Salal (3-1) respectively. rayyan, who BEST WHILE DRUBBING Seven-time champions Gharafa are tied with Arabi on nine points, KHARAITIYAT. beat Al Ahli 2-0 for their second Champions Lekhwiya turned in a fine all-round occupy the top spot in the table, straight victory. display to rout Kharaitiyat. Vladimir Weiss (16th, 52nd) and Youssef msakni (48th, 83rd) netted a brace owing to their better goal difference. In last week’s only other game, Al each while mohammed razzaq (16th), Nam tae-Hee Lekhwiya were back to their Yannick Sagbo was Umm Salal’s lone Sailiya defeated mesaimeer 1-0. (50th) and Khaled muftah (70th) too chipped in with a goal apiece. menacing best while drubbing scorer. KICK-OFF Kharaitiyat. rayyan coach Jorge Fossati said it Al Ahli vs Al Sadd the thunders have built a was too early to talk about their title Al Ahli Stadium, 5.45pm. reputation as an organised side since chances. Al Sailiya vs Lekhwiya Thursday, Al Sadd Stadium, 5.45pm. Amar Osim took charge as coach last “We’re targeting a top-four finish October 1 Al Arabi vs Al Gharafa February and they looked solid in and anything better than that will Al Sadd Stadium, 8pm. the beginning. but once Lekhwiya’s be a bonus for us. I’m happy with Al Kharaitiyat vs El Jaish Al Ahli Stadium, 8pm. skilful winger Vladimir Weiss our performance against Umm Salal, Al rayyan vs mesaimeer şşAl Arabi’s unlocked their defence and scored who’re an organised team. It offers Al Gharafa Stadium, 5.45pm. Junior Dutra, right, the opener in the 16th minute, us a lot of hope, but I don’t want to Friday, Qatar SC vs Umm Salal celebrates with October 2 Al Gharafa Stadium, 8pm. team-mates after Kharaitiyat tumbled and surrendered put my players under pressure with Al Khor vs Al Wakrah scoring against AL RAYYAN 3 UMM SALAL 1 Al Khor Stadium, 8pm. meekly. talks about title at this moment,” said Dabboos DSP/Mohammed Qatar SC. rayyan scored an easy victory against Umm Salal to remain on top of the standings. Sebastian Soria netted a brace (31st and 71st) after rodrigo tabata put STARTING TROUBLE SURPRISE PACKAGE the Lions ahead in the 12th. Ivorian striker Yannick Will a change of coach work? Arabi are turning out QATAR SC AL ARABI Sagbo scored Umm Salal’s consolation goal in the THINGS LEARNT DURING THE THIRD WEEK Ask the question to Qatar Sports to be the surprise 0 4 61st. Club’s Radhi Shenaishil and package. they had he may be slightly perplexed. brought in Chelsea Arabi registered their third successive win, this time OF HEROES AND CHEERS the Iraqi was made the coach great Gianfranco Zola seeing off Qatar Sports Club. brazilian striker paulinho Al rayyan fans are celebrating their team’s return to the last season when Qatar SC as coach, yet hardly gave a perfect start to Gianfranco Zola’s side by scoring top flight. they have been reaching in thousands for sacked Ivan Hasek after they anybody put their SAME OLD STORY in the very first minute. Second-half goals from mosaab mahmoud (51st), Junior Dutra (75th) and rod the last three rounds. their heroes have not let them lost the first two games against money on them. but Al Wakrah, who narrowly avoided Fanni (78th) made things easy for the reds. down, winning all three games. the management Lekhwiya and Al Ahli. radhi three rounds on, they relegation in the last two seasons, had too has been encouraging the supporters to the hilt. If helped them finish fourth last KHARAITIYAT AT THE RECEIVING END have as many wins promised to start this time on a strong rayyan president Sheikh Saud bin Khalid Al thani left time in the league, but they Kharaitiyat have been commanding a lot of respect from and are second in note, but nothing seems to be going the VIp stand and sat with them at the end of the last have been terrible this season, rival teams ever since Amar Osim took charge last February. the table. more right for them at the moment. they match against Al Khor, this time they had yesteryear losing three matches on the trot, However, they were a shattered lot last week after suffering a importantly, the reds are currently 12th, having lost all three hero Mansour Muftah among them. As rayyan’s new scoring two goals and letting 0-7 defeat against Lekhwiya. Defence has been the thunders’ have not conceded a games, with the 1-4 defeat last week stars ran riot against Umm Salal, one fan held aloft a in nine. Qatar SC, currently at big strength, but they committed mistakes time and time goal so far, a point Zola against Al Sadd being the latest reversal. banner with a photograph of Fabio Cesar in rayyan the bottom of the table, are again at the rear as Lekhwiya ran riot. Captain Abdallah wants to highlight. the team management is infamous for colours which read “We’ll not forget you”. Fabio was a up against Umm Salal next. Albattat and brazilian defender Domigos Nascimento engaged its impatience when it comes to sacking big hit at the club before returning to Umm Salal at the Another slip is sure to put his job in heated arguments, reflecting their frustration. Kharaitiyat coaches and Jose mauricio is feeling the end of 2013-14 season. on the line. are up against Jaish next week and Osim has his task cut out. heat. 10 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 11 FOOTBALL | QATAR EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Sadd turn on the style Looking at Weiss Mohammad Amin-ul Islam L SADD coach Housseine Amouta said his men would Acontinue to play a fast-paced game after they got back to winning to win every ways with an impressive 4-1

thrashing of Al Wakrah last week. PIX THE OF PICK Sadd, who were held to a 2-2 draw by Umm Salal in the previous match, opened encounter! the scoring through left-back Abdulkarim Hassan in the 31st ššLekhwiya’s Ali Afif, left, and Al Kharaitiyat’s Abdulkarim Ateiq vie for the ball. to beat every team this season. minute. Nadir belhadj (59th) N Ganesh Of course, it’s not going to be and muriqui (68th and 86th) easy, but against Kharaitiyat, we were the other scorers. defended very well and created a Wakrah’s goal came şšAl Sadd’s EKHWIYA’S Vladimir Weiss lot of chances. this game was just through Sebastian Saez, who Khalfan Ibrahim underlined his special perfect for us. converted from the spot in controls the ball during their player status by turning in the 84th after Abdulkarim L match against

an incredible display against Al ЂЂAfter a rather timid brought down Qatar DSP/Mohan Al Wakrah. Kharaitiyat last week. performance in the AFC I’m happy I started international maher Yousef the Slovak scored two Champions League quarterfinal scoring this season inside the box. team will become stronger.” wait till the half-hour mark for the fine goals on either half and against Al Hilal and a somewhat from our first game. Amouta, who guided Sadd Xavi has developed a great first goal. provided Youssef msakni with an laboured victory against Qatar SC to league title in 2012-13, said understanding with team-mates in “We don’t mind if we need to wait exceptional assist to give the cops in the league’s first round, how It wasn’t easy for me the midfield combination of a short time, to the delight of the for an hour to score our first goal. We their second straight win in the important was this win? to get fit after a long Xavi Hernandez and Khalfan fans and club officials. Last week, his always try to play our game. It’s not Qatar Stars League (QSL). ЃЂEvery game is important. We break due to an injury, Ibrahim, who made his first passes consistently found belhadj, always easy to score at will against the former manchester City know many teams are keen to but I’m feeling better appearance of the season, could muriqui, Hassan Al Haidous or the a compact side who was quick in player was the game changer in take the league title from us, so after every day. work wonders for them. young Gaser Zakaria. counter-attacks and we also missed ššQatar SC goalkeeper mohammed mubarak makes a save during their game against Al Arabi. Lekhwiya’s previous tie against we’re eager to make sure we just the former Asian player of the the 35-year-old again played a plenty of chances. We were under a Vladimir Weiss Qatar SC as well, as he came on as look at our performance and get Year started the match, but was pivotal role, but Amouta reiterated bit pressure to win by a big margin a substitute and injected life into as many points as possible from replaced in the 61st by Nasser Sadd were not about just one player. after Lekhwiya’s 7-0 thrashing of Al their hitherto insipid performance. every game. Ibrahim. “Xavi is a great player with several Kharaitiyat,” Amouta said. Speaking to Doha Stadium Plus, “Xavi and Khalfan achievements in top international Wakrah, who survived relegation Weiss, who was out of action for ЂЂWill the big win take the complement each other. both competitions. He’s a great asset for last season, quickly need to get their long after fracturing his left wrist pressure off players as well as are attacking medios and control us as we look to reclaim the title, act together. three defeats in as coach Djamel Belmadi? the middle with accurate passes. but Sadd are also about other 10 many games have put them under ЃЂpressure? I don’t think there’s Khalfan’s absence due to injury did players with proven experiences,” said huge pressure. their Uruguayan I THINK WE’RE TITLE any pressure. I always say this make us weak last season, but Xavi Amouta. coach mauricio Larriera must have FAVOURITES AGAIN, BUT when I’m asked about pressure has now taken over that role,” said though Sadd’s attack kept the to come up with drastic measures to THERE’RE MANY OTHER before a game or whenever. It’s Amouta. “Once Khalfan is fully fit, our Wakrah defence busy, they had to stop the rot. GOOD TEAMS. football, it’s a game and, first of all, you’ve to enjoy it and have love for it. during training prior to the start Muriqui becomes of the season, said he was happy ЂЂLekhwiya have become to have found his scoring touch overwhelming favourites for the his team’s hitman early on. QSL title after the big victory. How the 25-year-old winger knows do you see it? rAZILIAN muriqui scored two goals against Al ššAl Wakrah’s mohammed malallah, bottom, thwarts Al Sadd’s Nadir belhadj. the league this season will be ЃЂWe’ve won the league twice in ‘We’re progressing Wakrah last week to take his tally to five and tough, but believes Lekhwiya have a row. I think we’re the favourites in a good way’ BAl Sadd would hope the striker continue his a good squad to defend their title for the title again but, as I said, sparkling form. and complete a hat-trick. there’re many good teams. If we Sadd’s chances of regaining the league title depend a El Jaish coach Sabri Lamouchi rued his play like we did last week, we’ve a team’s poor finishing as they settled for lot on muriqui. ЂЂTwo superb goals and one good chance to complete a a goalless draw against Al Khor, their the club missed him in crucial matches in the league exceptional assist against hat-trick of titles. second stalemate in three matches. last season due to a calf injury and in his absence coach Kharaitiyat. You seemed to be A fluent 4-0 win against Al Sailiya in Housseine Amouta had to rely on midfielders Khalfan enjoying the game... ЂЂHow do you look at the league the previous round was ample proof of Ibrahim, Hassan Al Haidous and Ali Asad to carry the ЃЂI’m happy I started scoring this season? Who’re your main their title credentials, but they looked burden in the attack. this season from our first game. It challengers? far from impressive last week. muriqui had showed glimpses of his potential at the Asked whether they were struggling Ѓ wasn’t easy for me to get fit after ЂWe go from game to game. We for consistency, Lamouchi said, “We end of last season and helped Sadd win the Emir’s Cup. a long break due to an injury, but want to win every game. that’s our tried a lot during the game. Our “We were handicapped by muriqui’s absence last I’m feeling better after every day. challenge. finishing wasn’t good. We created season. We hope and pray he remains injury-free this As long as my goals help my team many opportunities, but messed up time because he’s a quality striker and we need him,” collect three points, I’ll be happy. » The writer can be contacted at: our last passes. I’m not satisfied with said Amouta. [email protected] the result. However, the number of If muriqui, who joined Sadd from Guangzhou chances we created makes me really Ђ Kharaitiyat were rated as a Evergrande at the start of last season, can maintain his Ђ happy. good team. What made the huge “We worked hard and our players consistency and get the support from the midfield led win possible? showed the right attitude. We’re by Xavi Hernandez, the former Asian champions could Ѓ š ЂWe want to win every game. I progressing in a good way and it gives šAl Sadd’s muriqui gets past Al Wakrah’s mouhcine moutouali. prove too hot to handle. Al Assaad, Mohammed Dabboos, Fadi A K BijuRaj DSP/Mohan, š think we’ve a good-enough squad Divakaran DSP/Vinod me plenty of hope.” šAl Gharafa’s George Kossi, background, challenges Al Ahli’s meshaal Abdullah. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 11

Sadd turn on the style

Mohammad Amin-ul Islam

L SADD coach Housseine Amouta said his men would Acontinue to play a fast-paced game after they got back to winning ways with an impressive 4-1

thrashing of Al Wakrah last week. PIX THE OF PICK Sadd, who were held to a 2-2 draw by Umm Salal in the previous match, opened the scoring through left-back Abdulkarim Hassan in the 31st ššLekhwiya’s Ali Afif, left, and Al Kharaitiyat’s Abdulkarim Ateiq vie for the ball. minute. Nadir belhadj (59th) and muriqui (68th and 86th) were the other scorers. Wakrah’s goal came şšAl Sadd’s through Sebastian Saez, who Khalfan Ibrahim converted from the spot in controls the ball during their the 84th after Abdulkarim match against

brought down Qatar DSP/Mohan Al Wakrah. international maher Yousef inside the box. team will become stronger.” wait till the half-hour mark for the Amouta, who guided Sadd Xavi has developed a great first goal. to league title in 2012-13, said understanding with team-mates in “We don’t mind if we need to wait the midfield combination of a short time, to the delight of the for an hour to score our first goal. We Xavi Hernandez and Khalfan fans and club officials. Last week, his always try to play our game. It’s not Ibrahim, who made his first passes consistently found belhadj, always easy to score at will against appearance of the season, could muriqui, Hassan Al Haidous or the a compact side who was quick in work wonders for them. young Gaser Zakaria. counter-attacks and we also missed ššQatar SC goalkeeper mohammed mubarak makes a save during their game against Al Arabi. the former Asian player of the the 35-year-old again played a plenty of chances. We were under a Year started the match, but was pivotal role, but Amouta reiterated bit pressure to win by a big margin replaced in the 61st by Nasser Sadd were not about just one player. after Lekhwiya’s 7-0 thrashing of Al Ibrahim. “Xavi is a great player with several Kharaitiyat,” Amouta said. “Xavi and Khalfan achievements in top international Wakrah, who survived relegation complement each other. both competitions. He’s a great asset for last season, quickly need to get their are attacking medios and control us as we look to reclaim the title, act together. three defeats in as the middle with accurate passes. but Sadd are also about other 10 many games have put them under Khalfan’s absence due to injury did players with proven experiences,” said huge pressure. their Uruguayan make us weak last season, but Xavi Amouta. coach mauricio Larriera must have has now taken over that role,” said though Sadd’s attack kept the to come up with drastic measures to Amouta. “Once Khalfan is fully fit, our Wakrah defence busy, they had to stop the rot. Muriqui becomes his team’s hitman

rAZILIAN muriqui scored two goals against Al ššAl Wakrah’s mohammed malallah, bottom, thwarts Al Sadd’s Nadir belhadj. Wakrah last week to take his tally to five and BAl Sadd would hope the striker continue his sparkling form. Sadd’s chances of regaining the league title depend a lot on muriqui. the club missed him in crucial matches in the league last season due to a calf injury and in his absence coach Housseine Amouta had to rely on midfielders Khalfan Ibrahim, Hassan Al Haidous and Ali Asad to carry the burden in the attack. muriqui had showed glimpses of his potential at the end of last season and helped Sadd win the Emir’s Cup. “We were handicapped by muriqui’s absence last season. We hope and pray he remains injury-free this time because he’s a quality striker and we need him,” said Amouta. If muriqui, who joined Sadd from Guangzhou Evergrande at the start of last season, can maintain his consistency and get the support from the midfield led by Xavi Hernandez, the former Asian champions could š šAl Sadd’s muriqui gets past Al Wakrah’s mouhcine moutouali. prove too hot to handle. Al Assaad, Mohammed Dabboos, Fadi A K BijuRaj DSP/Mohan, ššAl Gharafa’s George Kossi, background, challenges Al Ahli’s meshaal Abdullah. 12 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 13 FOOTBALL | QATAR

If he continues to evolve, then We never speak football at home. EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Khalifa can think of representing If anyone had any connection with Qatar at the World Cup in 2022, sports, it is my mother Aissatou Striker Ilyas leaves something he feels proud of. It thiam, who was a Senegal national would cap an amazing journey of handball team player. El Jaish for Sailiya a player who, as a young lad, used “I always remember where I the first four months to eagerly watch Dakar rally in his was before. I think God likes me L rAYYAN and El Jaish, who home town, represent his Ousmane too much. the national team of of my life in Qatar handed Al Sailiya identical were really difficult. Khalifa stands Soce college basketball team, play Senegal maybe good, but not A4-0 defeats in the first two football on the streets before taking everything is fine with club football Everything was new rounds of the Qatar Stars League, in our country. I wasn’t the best to me. but I knew that have lent them a helping hand by goalkeeper to have reached here if you decide to go out loaning out players. I ALWAYS REMEMBER from my country either. God of your country, you Experienced Qatar international Abdulkader WHERE I WAS BEFORE. gave me a chance, I took it and must adapt quickly. Ilyas moved from El Jaish on a six-month loan. I THINK GOD LIKES ME fight everyday,” said Khalifa, who Khalifa Ababacar rayyan’s talented young duo of Sayaf Al Korbi tall, literally TOO MUCH. signed off and whizzed past after (midfielder) and Abdulkarim Al Ali (left-back) then squeezing into his mercedez benz followed suit. “I enjoy my moments, but not on defenders and goalkeepers are SUV. N Ganesh the field. You might’ve made one always pressed into action. It’s good up goalkeeping seriously only at the One of the hundreds of exceptional save, but with a slip one way. It means you stay fully age of 16 as suggested by a local youngsters from the African in concentration, you can commit focused throughout the game. coach. continent to have reached the Lekhwiya’s Traore HEN keeper Khalifa a blunder the next moment. Win “If you’re playing for a big team, Unlike his wife and two young region seeking fortune through Ababacar thwarts a or lose the ball, you must remain that too if it opts for possession boys who are with him in Doha, football, Khalifa stands tall. Literally joins Arabi on loan Wstriker’s header, it does focused. maybe after the game, you game, then it can be tricky. the the rest of the family members are too. not generate the usual reaction can let your emotions overcome goalkeeper must focus all the time not fully aware of the strides he EFENDEr Dame Traore has from the crowd, but often a sigh you. Having said that, I’m not an without even once touching the ball has made in Qatar. the lives of his KHALIFA moved from Lekhwiya to Al of helplessness, big laughter or emotional guy,” Khalifa told Doha for minutes together. there might eldest brother, who is a taxi driver FACT FILE DArabi on a loan deal. sympathy for the latter on his futile Stadium Plus. be only one or two really tough in Senegal, and two others who Full name Khalifa traore, who was a part of exercise. Despite that disposition, the moments for him, but he must be are employed in fabric industry in Ababacar Ndiaye Lekhwiya’s all titles since they won Standing at seven feet and move to Qatar in July, 2008, as ready for that. that’s what I’m trying Italy, are set in altogether different Age 26 years promotion to the top flight in the five inches, with his long arms a 19-year-old from the old port to do at Jaish. backgrounds. playing position Goalkeeper 2010-11 season, has struggled of late due to an Height 230cm resembling that of the giant inflated city of rufisque in the suburbs of “If our target at Kharaitiyat was to “You know something. Ours is a injury and lost the first-team place this season to CLUB CAREER mascot at barcelona’s Camp Nou Dakar was tough for the Senegal- stay in the top flight, at Jaish, we’ve big family. Until I moved into our Al Kharaitiyat 2008-15 young Ahmed Yasser. Stadium, Khalifa is the rival strikers’ born player. Kharaitiyat, who were to constantly look to win all titles. new house last year, we had 26 El Jaish 2015- traore will give Arabi coach Gianfranco Zola nightmare, a reputation he has Still, my mentality remains the same. members living under one roof. (on loan) options especially as he can now play captain only bettered during his eight I always take the field to win,” he but nobody became a footballer. boualem Khoukhi in his preferred midfield role. years in Qatar with hard work and MAYBE AFTER THE said. composure. It is not just about his GAME, YOU CAN LET Khalifa knows he needs to height anymore. YOUR EMOTIONS constantly live up to the expectations As El Jaish coach Sabri Lamouchi OVERCOME YOU. of his coach and management on had set out to rebuild the team replacing Sufiyan in the team. in the close-season, his thrust, of “Yes, that puts me under a bit of course, was on improving their promoted that season, had to fight pressure, but it’s something we all frontline and the only change at for survival right from the start and like in football. to give your best the rear was signing Khalifa from Khalifa felt the heat. to add to that, and help the side perform its best. Al Kharaitiyat, swapping him with his father papa birahim died soon. Saud is also a really good goalkeeper. Qatar international goalkeeper He found himself lonely and slightly may be what I’ve extra is more Ahmed Sufiyan in a loan deal. perplexed, but kept his belief firmly experience. Khalifa, 26, started ahead of in God and himself. “It can make a difference. If you another young top-notch performer “the first four months were really remember the Khalifa of seven years Good luck to the football clubs we are Saud Al Khater in Jaish goal in their difficult. the league here isn’t the ago, then you can understand it. opener against Ahli and foiled three same as in Senegal and weather Now I can study the rival team faster good attempts from Ahli’s debutant a lot hotter. New people, new and read the game a lot quicker. I ofﬁcial kit suppliers to for the 2015/2016 season striker Firmin mubele, readily culture... everything was new to me. used to rely fully on the coach to repaying Lamouchi’s faith. Khalifa but this is a footballer’s life. I knew analyse my mistakes in the past, was Jaish’s hero but, as always, he that if you decide to go out of your but now, when I walk back into the would be the last person to show country, you must be prepared to dressing room I know where all off. adapt quickly as well,” he said. I went wrong. the coaches often He has been like that. For him, “Kharaitiyat offered me the confirm my own views. then there’s the pitch has never been a theatre chance to develop. It’s true that if setting the pace of the game, killing to express his emotions. you’re playing for a smaller team, time and so on,” said Khalifa.

KHALIFA’S TAKES

ﺧﺎﻟﺹ ﺍﻟﺗﻣﻧﻳﺎﺕ ﺑﺎﻟﺗﻭﻓﻳﻕ ﻣﻥ ﺑﻭﺭﺩﺍ ﺳﺑﻭﺭﺕ ﻣﻭﺭﺩ ﺍﻟﺯﻱ ﺍﻟﺭﺳﻣﻲ On offers from On his most On his role model... On spending time Europe... memorable moment... I don’t have a role model in Qatar... Four years ago, I got offers from I’m a firm believer in God. as such. I look at all leading Whenever I get a chance, I try ﺍﻟﻰ ﺍﻧﺩﻳﺔ ﻛﺭﺓ ﺍﻟﻘﺩﻡ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﻣﻭﺳﻡ French clubs Auxerre two years ago, I bore the goalkeepers and try to learn to take my family out to various 2016/2015 and Valenciennes, expenses of my mother’s from them. Five years ago, it was places in the country. I also spend but I decided not to go. Hajj trip and that made me Iker Casillas, Gianluigi buffon a lot of time with my incredible really satisfied. and petr Cech. Of the younger friends baba malik (Umm Salal lot, I like thibaut Courtois and goalkeeper) and Abdoul Sow (El BURRDASPORT.COM manuel Neuer. Jaish’s basketball player). DSP/Mohan www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 13

If he continues to evolve, then We never speak football at home. Khalifa can think of representing If anyone had any connection with Qatar at the World Cup in 2022, sports, it is my mother Aissatou Striker Ilyas leaves something he feels proud of. It thiam, who was a Senegal national would cap an amazing journey of handball team player. El Jaish for Sailiya a player who, as a young lad, used “I always remember where I the first four months to eagerly watch Dakar rally in his was before. I think God likes me L rAYYAN and El Jaish, who home town, represent his Ousmane too much. the national team of of my life in Qatar handed Al Sailiya identical were really difficult. Soce college basketball team, play Senegal maybe good, but not A4-0 defeats in the first two football on the streets before taking everything is fine with club football Everything was new rounds of the Qatar Stars League, in our country. I wasn’t the best to me. but I knew that have lent them a helping hand by goalkeeper to have reached here if you decide to go out loaning out players. I ALWAYS REMEMBER from my country either. God of your country, you Experienced Qatar international Abdulkader WHERE I WAS BEFORE. gave me a chance, I took it and must adapt quickly. Ilyas moved from El Jaish on a six-month loan. I THINK GOD LIKES ME fight everyday,” said Khalifa, who Khalifa Ababacar rayyan’s talented young duo of Sayaf Al Korbi TOO MUCH. signed off and whizzed past after (midfielder) and Abdulkarim Al Ali (left-back) then squeezing into his mercedez benz followed suit. SUV. up goalkeeping seriously only at the One of the hundreds of age of 16 as suggested by a local youngsters from the African coach. continent to have reached the Lekhwiya’s Traore Unlike his wife and two young region seeking fortune through boys who are with him in Doha, football, Khalifa stands tall. Literally joins Arabi on loan the rest of the family members are too. not fully aware of the strides he EFENDEr Dame Traore has has made in Qatar. the lives of his KHALIFA moved from Lekhwiya to Al eldest brother, who is a taxi driver FACT FILE DArabi on a loan deal. in Senegal, and two others who Full name Khalifa traore, who was a part of are employed in fabric industry in Ababacar Ndiaye Lekhwiya’s all titles since they won Italy, are set in altogether different Age 26 years promotion to the top flight in the backgrounds. playing position Goalkeeper 2010-11 season, has struggled of late due to an Height 230cm “You know something. Ours is a injury and lost the first-team place this season to CLUB CAREER big family. Until I moved into our Al Kharaitiyat 2008-15 young Ahmed Yasser. new house last year, we had 26 El Jaish 2015- traore will give Arabi coach Gianfranco Zola members living under one roof. (on loan) options especially as he can now play captain but nobody became a footballer. boualem Khoukhi in his preferred midfield role.

Good luck to the football clubs we are ofﬁcial kit suppliers to for the 2015/2016 season

ﺧﺎﻟﺹ ﺍﻟﺗﻣﻧﻳﺎﺕ ﺑﺎﻟﺗﻭﻓﻳﻕ ﻣﻥ ﺑﻭﺭﺩﺍ ﺳﺑﻭﺭﺕ ﻣﻭﺭﺩ ﺍﻟﺯﻱ ﺍﻟﺭﺳﻣﻲ ﺍﻟﻰ ﺍﻧﺩﻳﺔ ﻛﺭﺓ ﺍﻟﻘﺩﻡ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﻣﻭﺳﻡ 2016/2015

BURRDASPORT.COM 14 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 15 FOOTBALL | INTERNATIONAL

Shaw likely to be Costa sending wrong Wilson signs new City’s out for six months message, says Pele Man United deal

ANCHEStEr United defender Luke Shaw is HE behaviour of Chelsea’s Diego Costa against Arsenal ANCHEStEr United’s teenage striker James expected to be sidelined for at least six months during their English premier League match recently Wilson has signed a new four-year contract, the Mafter breaking his right leg in two places, manager Twas bad for football’s image and sent the wrong Mpremier League club announced last week. Louis van Gaal said last week. message to children, Pele has said. United manager Louis van Gaal said this Left back Shaw, 20, suffered the injury Widely regarded as the greatest month that he planned to send Wilson out in United’s Champions League loss footballer ever to have played the on loan so he could get more first-team to pSV Eindhoven recently and was game, the brazilian was scathing about experience. but the 19-year-old has so flown home four days later after two the Spanish striker, who received a far remained at Old trafford and the club operations. the England international three-match ban from a disciplinary have given him a fresh contract which was carried off on a stretcher after commission this week after the referee runs until 2019. United’s he broke his tibia and fibula following a failed to spot him catching Arsenal defender Wilson scored two goals on his United challenge by pSV defender Hector moreno in the 15th Laurent Koscielny in the face. debut against Hull in may 2014, but the forward has started minute of the match. “It’s not a good message for children,” pele said. “He didn’t just two league games under Van Gaal. “James is one of the “He will be out at least six months. You can’t predict the get a red card, but was charged. It was dirty. It’s not good for brightest young English prospects and we’re delighted he development of the rehabilitation,” Van Gaal said. football.” has signed a new contract,” said Van Gaal.

şşmanchester City manager manuel pellegrini, left, and his tottenham Palace prove Pardew’s place counterpart mauricio pochettino are caught in Clean sheets have been rare, but and that really lifted me, because gain contrasting moods. Steve Tongue by fielding a team blessed with the concentration levels were really, pace palace have been particularly really high.” effective on the counter-attack, pundits agreed that the manager S A mANAGEr sacked three which has led to an outstanding had got his tactics and team MANCHESTER UNITED TAKE ADVANTAGE times in four years and then away record. selection just right, picking Dwight OF NEIGHBOURS CITY’S SLIP-UP AGAINST Aregularly abused by his next Last Sunday’s 1-0 success at Gayle as the main striker after a hat- club’s supporters, Alan pardew has Watford meant that in 12 matches trick in a midweek League Cup tie

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TO GO TOP OF Reuters/Eddie Keogh had plenty to do in restoring his on the road in this calendar year and using all three of his speedy reputation. they’ve won nine times. wingers at some stage to attack THE ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE WITH A ššmanchester United’s memphis He has achieved that in a matter It was their first clean sheet of the Watford’s vulnerable fullbacks. COMFORTABLE VICTORY AGAINST Depay, right, We’re to blame for of months since returning to his season, which particularly pleased One of those wide players, celebrates with Juan first professional club, Crystal palace, pardew. Wilfried Zaha, won the crucial SUNDERLAND, WRITES MARTYN HERMAN. mata and Wayne rooney after scoring defeat: Pellegrini lifting them from the premier “the back four were terrific and penalty that Yohan Cabaye converted against Sunderland. League’s bottom three on his arrival the goalie,” said pardew. “they to win the game. OttENHAm Hotspur produced their best in January to a mid-table finish last didn’t really give Watford much In a difficult period for pardew OUIS van Gaal was hired to Van Gaal’s men now have “It’s a nice feeling to be on top goal for the club. became another game, but they football of the season and benefited from two season and now the top six. daylight at all. It wasn’t a classic, between 2006-10, West Ham return manchester United 16 points, one more than City of the table, it’s the first time in my rooney, without a league goal in didn’t come at us very much,” he Toffside goals as they came from behind to beat but sometimes as a manager you United, Charlton Athletic and Lto where they believe they who took the lead at tottenham period so I’m happy,” Van Gaal said. 11 matches, bundled in the second added. manchester City 4-1 in the premier League at White want a performance that lifts you Southampton all dismissed the belong and the Dutchman through record signing Kevin de It was not vintage football immediately after the restart to meanwhile, holders Chelsea Hart Lane last week. former palace midfielder. delivered last week with a 3-0 win bruyne before the hosts stormed though. deflate the visitors before mata were indebted to brazilian duo City, who have now lost two in a row after being He was therefore an unpopular over Sunderland sending them top back with England striker Harry United were frustrated by rounded off a satisfying day. ramires and Willian, who both off beaten 1-2 by West Ham United last week, had no choice to take charge at Newcastle of the English premier League. Kane finally on target after 12 “It’s always difficult when you the bench and scored late on to answer to a rampant Spurs in the second half. United, with only five per cent Goals by memphis Depay, signed hours without a goal for his club. play against a team who is only salvage a 2-2 draw at struggling both City’s coach manuel pellegrini and Spurs’ voting for him in a poll of the club’s by Van Gaal from pSV Eindhoven, Arsenal fell behind at previously UNITED MOVED TOP FOR defending and counting on Newcastle United. mauricio pochettino agreed that the hosts’ first and supporters. but after steering them Wayne rooney and Juan mata unbeaten Leicester City, but Chile THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE the counter-attack,” Van Gaal said. Elsewhere, under-pressure third goals involved clear offsides, but pellegrini to 12th place, he earned European sealed a routine victory that helped striker Alexis Sanchez returned to OPENING DAY OF “I was very happy with the Liverpool manager brendan accepted his team was as culpable as the officials. football as they finished fifth in his United leapfrog manchester City, his best with a hat-trick in a 5-2 THE 2013-14 SEASON. (Depay) goal in added time rodgers enjoyed some relief, with “part of the reason for goals is the referee’s mistake, first full season. who crumbled to a 1-4 defeat at victory that lifted them to fourth because (Sunderland) punished Daniel Sturridge bagging a double but another part is the mistake of our defence. We An eight-year contract followed tottenham Hotspur, into first place. with 13 points. themselves. they were always in a nervy 3-2 home win against played well in the first half but not in the second but spending restrictions imposed City’s second successive league Van Gaal is yet to win over all of a struggling Sunderland side wasting time and the referee Aston Villa while Southampton half,” pellegrini told a news conference afterwards. by owner mike Ashley meant defeat, after winning their first five the fans since taking over in ’14, until Depay put them in front in wasn’t reacting to that. A goal is breezed past Swansea City 3-1 “my mentality is not to try to have excuses. the the team failed to live up to matches, meant United moved top but going by their start this season, the fourth minute of first-half the biggest influence in a game and Stoke City beat bournemouth two offside goals were very important because the the raised expectations of for the first time since the opening they look certain to be challenging stoppage time when he converted and I changed my approach at 2-1, their first league win of the first one was their equaliser and the next one made it demanding fans. day of the 2013-14 season. for silverware soon. mata’s cut-back, his first league half-time because of that. It season. 1-3, but it’s part of the game and when you lose 1-4, it’s not just about the referee’s mistake,” he said. City were without injured goalkeeper Joe Hart, captain Vincent Kompany and midfielder David Silva the back four were terrific and HEADLINES QUOTE TWEET STAT GOAL MOMENT PLAYER and lost Yaya toure with a hamstring injury in the the goalie. they didn’t really • man Utd beat Of course there’s a lot “Happy days! @ Wayne rooney’s goal ramires (for Chelsea Kane’s clincher (for Alexis Sanchez second half although they still dominated the first give Watford much daylight Sunderland 3-0 to of hysteria and that manUtd” for manchester United against Newcastle tottenham against (Arsenal) half and took a 25th-minute lead on a breakaway at all. It wasn’t a classic, go top continues. I’m pretty against Sunderland United) manchester City) goal from record signing Kevin de bruyne. but sometimes as a manchester United After eight games confident that there’s ended a league scoring Spurs equalised through Erik Dier on the stroke of manager you want • man City slip to a group of people who goal-scorer Juan mata drought of exactly brazilian midfielder Harry Kane scored without scoring, Chile second after 4-1 loss keeps it short and sparked late fightback his first league goal forward Sanchez burst half-time although Kyle Walker was clearly offside a performance don’t want me to be 1,000 minutes. in the build-up. at Spurs manager here. sweet after his side by crashing superb of the season, neatly to life with a sharply that lifts you and sank Sunderland to shot into top-left converting a rebound taken hat-trick that toby Alderweireld headed Spurs ahead in • Chelsea draw 2-2 at that really lifted Liverpool manager claim first place. corner from 25 yards in from Christian Eriksen inspired Arsenal to a the 50th minute before Kane, in an offside Newcastle after late me, because EPL HIGHLIGHTS EPL brendan rodgers hits the 79th minute at St free-kick, to put Spurs 5-2 win at previously position, ended his drought when he swept fight back Š the concentration levels were out at his detractors James’ park. 3-1 up against City. unbeaten Leicester home in the 61st after a Christian Eriksen free-kick şCrystal palace’s after 3-2 win over City. pape Souare, left, really, really high. rebounded back off the bar. Aston Villa. vies with Watford’s Erik Lamela completed the scoring late on. troy Deeney. Alan Pardew, Crystal palace manager. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 15

Shaw likely to be Costa sending wrong Wilson signs new out for six months message, says Pele Man United deal

ANCHEStEr United defender Luke Shaw is HE behaviour of Chelsea’s Diego Costa against Arsenal ANCHEStEr United’s teenage striker James expected to be sidelined for at least six months during their English premier League match recently Wilson has signed a new four-year contract, the Mafter breaking his right leg in two places, manager Twas bad for football’s image and sent the wrong Mpremier League club announced last week. Louis van Gaal said last week. message to children, Pele has said. United manager Louis van Gaal said this Left back Shaw, 20, suffered the injury Widely regarded as the greatest month that he planned to send Wilson out in United’s Champions League loss footballer ever to have played the on loan so he could get more first-team to pSV Eindhoven recently and was game, the brazilian was scathing about experience. but the 19-year-old has so flown home four days later after two the Spanish striker, who received a far remained at Old trafford and the club operations. the England international three-match ban from a disciplinary have given him a fresh contract which was carried off on a stretcher after commission this week after the referee runs until 2019. he broke his tibia and fibula following a failed to spot him catching Arsenal defender Wilson scored two goals on his United challenge by pSV defender Hector moreno in the 15th Laurent Koscielny in the face. debut against Hull in may 2014, but the forward has started minute of the match. “It’s not a good message for children,” pele said. “He didn’t just two league games under Van Gaal. “James is one of the “He will be out at least six months. You can’t predict the get a red card, but was charged. It was dirty. It’s not good for brightest young English prospects and we’re delighted he development of the rehabilitation,” Van Gaal said. football.” has signed a new contract,” said Van Gaal.

şşmanchester City manager manuel pellegrini, left, and his tottenham Palace prove Pardew’s place counterpart mauricio pochettino are caught in Clean sheets have been rare, but and that really lifted me, because contrasting moods. Steve Tongue by fielding a team blessed with the concentration levels were really, pace palace have been particularly really high.” effective on the counter-attack, pundits agreed that the manager S A mANAGEr sacked three which has led to an outstanding had got his tactics and team times in four years and then away record. selection just right, picking Dwight Aregularly abused by his next Last Sunday’s 1-0 success at Gayle as the main striker after a hat- club’s supporters, Alan pardew has Watford meant that in 12 matches trick in a midweek League Cup tie

Reuters/Eddie Keogh had plenty to do in restoring his on the road in this calendar year and using all three of his speedy reputation. they’ve won nine times. wingers at some stage to attack He has achieved that in a matter It was their first clean sheet of the Watford’s vulnerable fullbacks. We’re to blame for of months since returning to his season, which particularly pleased One of those wide players, first professional club, Crystal palace, pardew. Wilfried Zaha, won the crucial defeat: Pellegrini lifting them from the premier “the back four were terrific and penalty that Yohan Cabaye converted League’s bottom three on his arrival the goalie,” said pardew. “they to win the game. OttENHAm Hotspur produced their best in January to a mid-table finish last didn’t really give Watford much In a difficult period for pardew football of the season and benefited from two season and now the top six. daylight at all. It wasn’t a classic, between 2006-10, West Ham Toffside goals as they came from behind to beat but sometimes as a manager you United, Charlton Athletic and manchester City 4-1 in the premier League at White want a performance that lifts you Southampton all dismissed the Hart Lane last week. former palace midfielder. City, who have now lost two in a row after being He was therefore an unpopular beaten 1-2 by West Ham United last week, had no choice to take charge at Newcastle answer to a rampant Spurs in the second half. United, with only five per cent both City’s coach manuel pellegrini and Spurs’ voting for him in a poll of the club’s mauricio pochettino agreed that the hosts’ first and supporters. but after steering them third goals involved clear offsides, but pellegrini to 12th place, he earned European accepted his team was as culpable as the officials. football as they finished fifth in his “part of the reason for goals is the referee’s mistake, first full season. but another part is the mistake of our defence. We An eight-year contract followed played well in the first half but not in the second but spending restrictions imposed half,” pellegrini told a news conference afterwards. by owner mike Ashley meant “my mentality is not to try to have excuses. the the team failed to live up to two offside goals were very important because the the raised expectations of first one was their equaliser and the next one made it demanding fans. 1-3, but it’s part of the game and when you lose 1-4, it’s not just about the referee’s mistake,” he said. City were without injured goalkeeper Joe Hart, captain Vincent Kompany and midfielder David Silva the back four were terrific and and lost Yaya toure with a hamstring injury in the the goalie. they didn’t really second half although they still dominated the first give Watford much daylight half and took a 25th-minute lead on a breakaway at all. It wasn’t a classic, goal from record signing Kevin de bruyne. but sometimes as a Spurs equalised through Erik Dier on the stroke of manager you want half-time although Kyle Walker was clearly offside a performance in the build-up. that lifts you and toby Alderweireld headed Spurs ahead in that really lifted the 50th minute before Kane, in an offside me, because position, ended his drought when he swept Š the concentration levels were home in the 61st after a Christian Eriksen free-kick şCrystal palace’s pape Souare, left, really, really high. rebounded back off the bar. vies with Watford’s Erik Lamela completed the scoring late on. troy Deeney. Alan Pardew, Crystal palace manager. 16 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 17 FOOTBALL | INTERNATIONAL

şşbarcelona’s WEEKLY ROUND-UP Lionel messi grimaces in pain PSG president’s car as Las palmas goalkeeper Javi Varas consoles him. comes under attack

ArIS Saint-Germain president Nasser Ghanem Al Kholaifi’s car came under fire from Pa barrage of stones as he left Nantes’ Stade de Villarreal top in Spain la beaujoire last week, according to reports. Champions pSG had extended their lead at ILLArrEAL went top of La the area after 14 minutes to secure fourth-placed Celta Vigo a 1-1 of the net from 12m after munir down in 15th place after losing the top of Ligue 1 following a 4-1 victory, but Liga standings with a 1-0 their fifth straight win. draw at Eibar. El Haddadi crossed from the right again. ‘around 20 fans from the brigade Loire group’ win over Atletico madrid the best chances for a below-par barca, who were looking to and busquets left the ball for the pelted the Qatari’s car as he left, according to V Bayern keep winning last week after a toothless real Atletico fell to Antoine Griezmann rebound from a 1-4 hammering by former Liverpool striker to finish. Le Parisien. madrid were held goalless at at the end of each half, but he Celta Vigo, lost messi after just nine Neymar blazed a penalty over In Germany, champions bayern “the management of FC Nantes home to 10-man malaga and was denied by Villarreal keeper minutes following a clash of legs. the crossbar, following a handball munich won their seventh apologises to the pSG president and Lionel messi suffered a serious Alphonse Areola. Suarez gave barca the by Antolin Alcaraz, after 66 minutes bundesliga game in a row. robert condemns the actions of several injury as barcelona beat Las Villarreal are surprise leaders breakthrough with a powerful and Las palmas pulled a goal back Lewandowski struck twice in a 3-0 individuals who attacked the parisian palmas 2-1. with 16 points from six games, one header into the corner from a Sergi with a deflected Jonathan Viera win at mainz 05 to extend their official’s car as it left the stadium,” Villarreal’s win came courtesy more than barca and two ahead roberto cross after 25 minutes. strike two minutes from fulltime. lead at the top to four points. said a statement on Nantes’ website. of a goal from Leo baptistao, who of real. the tension was taken out of the real pushed forward from Lewandowski, who netted five Barca suffer Messi blow police in Nantes confirmed that finished clinically having been Iago Aspas grabbed a 76th- game when Suarez doubled his the start in their match against times in their midweek win over stones had been thrown at a car by found by roberto Soldado inside minute equaliser to give tally, cracking the ball into the roof malaga but a combination of fine Vfl Wolfsburg, became the first four 2018 World Cup qualifiers, “It’s a test and extra motivation ‘unknown individuals.’ No official goalkeeping from Carlos Kameni foreign player to require just 168 Kieran Canning including a meeting at home to for this team. We need to accept complaint has been made to police and near misses prevented them matches to score 100 goals in the brazil on November 13. the challenge and improve our and pSG declined to comment. from breaking the deadlock. bundesliga as bayern increased moreover, he is now a huge performance because we can do Le Parisien claimed the missiles their advantage over second- rGENtINIAN Lionel messi doubt for the first El Clasico of the that. In any moment, not just in were thrown because the Fiorentina top placed borussia Dortmund. will be out for up to eight season away to real madrid on football, when everything goes well attackers thought Nantes president In Italy, Fiorentina, helped by a Dortmund forward pierre- Aweeks after suffering a November 21. and everything flows it’s easy to Waldemar Kita was inside. Nicola Kalinic hat-trick, cruised to a Emerick Aubameyang struck twice, left knee ligament damage in “Firstly, it’s always sad when a perform well. I’m sure we’ll have Nantes condemned the but a 90th minute equaliser from barcelona’s 2-1 win over Las player gets injured. It’s without good results due to the quality of accusations made against the captain Aytac Sulu gave Darmstadt palmas, also dealing a blow to his doubt the worst thing in football for this team,” added Enrique. brigade Loire supporters’ group, VILLARREAL’S WIN CAME 98 an unexpected 2-2 draw. national team’s World Cup plans. the players,” said barcelona coach this is the first serious injury which also claimed on the club’s COURTESY OF A GOAL messi clashed with Las palmas Luis Enrique. messi has suffered since a torn website that they had nothing to FROM LEO BAPTISTAO, PSG recover defender pedro bigas as he tried to hamstring kept him out for the final do with the attack. WHO FINISHED CLINICALLY. In France, paris Saint-Germain turn the ball home inside the area HE IS NOW A HUGE DOUBT two months of ’13. RESULTS As of Sunday recovered from a terrible first half and suffered a blow to his left knee FOR THE FIRST EL CLASICO the blow is the latest strain to win 4-1 at Nantes and stretch in the process. OF THE SEASON ON on a barca squad hampered by EPL FC Augsburg lost to Hoffenheim 1-3 Hamburg SV lost to Schalke 0-1 4-1 win at 10-man Inter milan and their Ligue 1 lead to four points. He briefly returned to the field injuries and a year-long ban from Watford lost to Crystal palace 0-1 NOVEMBER 21. Vfb Stuttgart lost to borussia m’bach 1-3 they leapfrogged their opponents Goals by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, after receiving treatment, but registering new players which will Leicester City lost to Arsenal 2-5 VfL Wolfsburg drew Hanover 1-1 on goal difference to top Serie A. Angel di maria, Edinson Cavani and was clearly unable to run freely expire in January. Liverpool bt Aston Villa 3-2 Werder bremen lost to Leverkusen 0-3 third-placed torino won an ill- Serge Aurier put the champions on before he was replaced by munir El “Obviously, when it’s Leo messi midfielder rafinha has already manchester Utd bt Sunderland 3-0 Cologne drew FC Ingolstadt 1-1 tempered clash 2-1 against visiting 20 points from eight games. Haddadi. even more so for the weight he been ruled out at least for six Newcastle drew Chelsea 2-2 palermo as they finished with nine St Etienne remain second “tests have confirmed that Leo carries amongst our group. It’s months after suffering a cruciate Southampton bt Swansea City 3-1 LIGUE 1 men. despite a 4-1 home defeat to Nice, messi suffered a torn internal logical in football that players will ligament damage. Stoke City bt AFC bournemouth 2-1 Avant drew monaco 3-3 AC milan had a man sent off as who were led by an impressive collateral knee ligament. the get injured and we’ve to know barca appealed to FIFA to have tottenham bt manchester City 4-1 montpellier bt FC Lorient 2-1 they lost 0-1 at Genoa for their Hatem ben Arfa. estimated time out will be seven how to overcome it. I’m sure we’ll turkish midfielder Arda turan West Ham drew Norwich City 2-2 Oly marseille lost to Angers 1-2 third loss of the season. Olympique marseille slumped to to eight weeks,” barcelona said in a perform at a good level,” he added. added to their squad due to the SPFL St Etienne lost to Nice 1-4 Caen bt Ajaccio 2-0 Fiore and Inter have 15 points a 1-2 loss against visitors Angers statement. barca will face Sevilla, rayo seriousness of rafinha’s injury. Celtic drew Hearts 0-0 Nantes lost to pSG 1-4 from six games while torino are and Olympique Lyon lost 1-3 at messi, 28, looks set to be Vallecano, Eibar, Getafe and However, FIFA believe such a move Dundee drew ross County 3-3 bordeaux bt Oly Lyon 3-1 on 13, with struggling champions Girondins bordeaux on a bad sidelined for at least eight barca Villarreal in La Liga before visiting would be in contravention of their Inverness bt Aberdeen 2-1 Stade rennes drew troyes 1-1 Juventus losing further ground weekend for the big guns. games, as well as Argentina’s first the bernabeu. rules. Kilmarnock lost to Hamilton 1-2 bastia bt toulouse 3-0 motherwell bt partick thistle 2-1 Stade reims bt Lille 1-0 St Johnstone bt Dundee Utd 2-1 LA LIGA BRAZILIAN C’SHIP Benitez Neymar admits Atl paranaense lost to ponte preta 1-2 Hulk complains Deportivo bt Espanyol 3-0 Cruzeiro bt Coritiba 2-0 Getafe bt Levante 3-0 blames anxiety Figueirense lost to Corinthians 1-3 talks with United of racist abuse real Sociedad drew Ath Club 0-0 Flamengo lost to Vasco da Gama 1-2 after Real’s goalless draw Sporting Gijon lost to real betis 1-2 Joinville drew Atl mineiro 2-2 Eibar drew Celta Vigo 1-1 Coach Rafa Benitez blamed matches since his eight in ArCELONA striker Neymar had talks with ENIt St petersburg forward Hulk said he was Santos bt Internacional 3-1 barcelona bt Las palmas 2-1 anxiety after real madrid two games put him within premier League side manchester United, the victim of racist abuse during his side’s Sao paulo drew palmeiras 1-1 real madrid drew malaga 0-0 were knocked off the top of two of raul’s club record of Bbut no offer was made. Zrussian premier League encounter at Spartak Sport bt Chapecoense 3-0 Sevilla bt rayo Vallecano 3-2 La Liga following a 0-0 home 323. “there were talks, but nothing came of them,” moscow. the 29 year-old brazilian was seen blowing Gremio bt Avai 3-1 Villarreal bt Atletico madrid 1-0 draw against malaga last “We were anxious in the said Neymar. kisses towards the home fans during injury time and Fluminense bt Goias 2-0 week. final minutes. In those last the brazilian forward, part of he later explained why he decided to Valencia bt Granada 1-0 real did not go short of five minutes, we needed to be ARGENTINIAN C’SHIP barca’s devastating attacking make the gesture. SERIE A chances and peppered the more calm and keep moving Lanus drew Independiente 1-1 bologna lost to Udinese 1-2 malaga goal at times. the ball around,” added trio that hit 122 goals last “Unfortunately, the same things San martin lost to Sarmiento 0-1 Genoa bt AC milan 1-0 “When a team stays back benitez. season as the club won are happening,” Zenit’s official boca Juniors bt banfield 3-0 Inter milan lost to Fiorentina 1-4 as happened in the second the treble, was linked to a website quoted Hulk as saying. “I Defensa lost to Quilmes 0-1 Sassuolo drew Chievo 1-1 half, it makes it difficult to find move to United who needed won’t pay any attention to this, as Huracan drew Velez Sarsfield 0-0 torino bt palermo 2-1 space, but still we had the a striker and went on to sign I’ve already talked about it.” rosario Central bt Gimnasia 4-0 openings,” said benitez. Anthony martial. It was not the first time Hulk Verona lost to Lazio 1-2 Crucero lost to river plate 0-1 real are now two points the 23-year-old said his aim is to stay at the complained of racist abuses this year. AS roma bt Carpi 5-1 racing Club bt Argentinos Jrs 1-0 behind surprise leaders Napoli bt Juventus 2-1 Villarreal after six games, and Catalan club. In march, during a match with torpedo moscow he Atl rafaela lost to Union 2-3 a point behind barcelona. “I hope we’ve a dream season. I want to was racially abused by the home fans. the side from BUNDESLIGA Colon lost to belgrano 0-1 Cristiano ronaldo has have consistency with my work along with my the russian capital were sanctioned and made to play Dortmund drew SV Darmstadt 2-2 Nueva Chicago bt Aldosivi 3-1 not scored in three colleagues and continue to win titles,” he said. two matches behind closed doors. E Frankfurt drew Hertha berlin 1-1 tigre drew San Lorenzo 1-1 ššVillarreal players celebrate their victory over Atletico madrid. mainz lost to bayern munich 0-3 Olimpo bt Godoy Cruz 1-0 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 17

şşbarcelona’s Lionel messi grimaces in pain PSG president’s car as Las palmas goalkeeper Javi Varas consoles him. comes under attack

ArIS Saint-Germain president Nasser Ghanem Al Kholaifi’s car came under fire from Pa barrage of stones as he left Nantes’ Stade de la beaujoire last week, according to reports. Champions pSG had extended their lead at the top of Ligue 1 following a 4-1 victory, but ‘around 20 fans from the brigade Loire group’ pelted the Qatari’s car as he left, according to Le Parisien. “the management of FC Nantes apologises to the pSG president and condemns the actions of several individuals who attacked the parisian official’s car as it left the stadium,” said a statement on Nantes’ website. Barca suffer Messi blow police in Nantes confirmed that stones had been thrown at a car by four 2018 World Cup qualifiers, “It’s a test and extra motivation ‘unknown individuals.’ No official Kieran Canning including a meeting at home to for this team. We need to accept complaint has been made to police brazil on November 13. the challenge and improve our and pSG declined to comment. moreover, he is now a huge performance because we can do Le Parisien claimed the missiles rGENtINIAN Lionel messi doubt for the first El Clasico of the that. In any moment, not just in were thrown because the will be out for up to eight season away to real madrid on football, when everything goes well attackers thought Nantes president Aweeks after suffering a November 21. and everything flows it’s easy to Waldemar Kita was inside. left knee ligament damage in “Firstly, it’s always sad when a perform well. I’m sure we’ll have Nantes condemned the barcelona’s 2-1 win over Las player gets injured. It’s without good results due to the quality of accusations made against the palmas, also dealing a blow to his doubt the worst thing in football for this team,” added Enrique. brigade Loire supporters’ group, national team’s World Cup plans. the players,” said barcelona coach this is the first serious injury which also claimed on the club’s messi clashed with Las palmas Luis Enrique. messi has suffered since a torn website that they had nothing to defender pedro bigas as he tried to hamstring kept him out for the final do with the attack. turn the ball home inside the area HE IS NOW A HUGE DOUBT two months of ’13. RESULTS As of Sunday and suffered a blow to his left knee FOR THE FIRST EL CLASICO the blow is the latest strain in the process. OF THE SEASON ON on a barca squad hampered by EPL FC Augsburg lost to Hoffenheim 1-3 Hamburg SV lost to Schalke 0-1 He briefly returned to the field injuries and a year-long ban from Watford lost to Crystal palace 0-1 NOVEMBER 21. Vfb Stuttgart lost to borussia m’bach 1-3 after receiving treatment, but registering new players which will Leicester City lost to Arsenal 2-5 VfL Wolfsburg drew Hanover 1-1 was clearly unable to run freely expire in January. Liverpool bt Aston Villa 3-2 Werder bremen lost to Leverkusen 0-3 before he was replaced by munir El “Obviously, when it’s Leo messi midfielder rafinha has already manchester Utd bt Sunderland 3-0 Cologne drew FC Ingolstadt 1-1 Haddadi. even more so for the weight he been ruled out at least for six Newcastle drew Chelsea 2-2 “tests have confirmed that Leo carries amongst our group. It’s months after suffering a cruciate Southampton bt Swansea City 3-1 LIGUE 1 messi suffered a torn internal logical in football that players will ligament damage. Stoke City bt AFC bournemouth 2-1 Avant drew monaco 3-3 collateral knee ligament. the get injured and we’ve to know barca appealed to FIFA to have tottenham bt manchester City 4-1 montpellier bt FC Lorient 2-1 estimated time out will be seven how to overcome it. I’m sure we’ll turkish midfielder Arda turan West Ham drew Norwich City 2-2 Oly marseille lost to Angers 1-2 to eight weeks,” barcelona said in a perform at a good level,” he added. added to their squad due to the SPFL St Etienne lost to Nice 1-4 Caen bt Ajaccio 2-0 statement. barca will face Sevilla, rayo seriousness of rafinha’s injury. Celtic drew Hearts 0-0 Nantes lost to pSG 1-4 messi, 28, looks set to be Vallecano, Eibar, Getafe and However, FIFA believe such a move Dundee drew ross County 3-3 bordeaux bt Oly Lyon 3-1 sidelined for at least eight barca Villarreal in La Liga before visiting would be in contravention of their Inverness bt Aberdeen 2-1 Stade rennes drew troyes 1-1 games, as well as Argentina’s first the bernabeu. rules. Kilmarnock lost to Hamilton 1-2 bastia bt toulouse 3-0 motherwell bt partick thistle 2-1 Stade reims bt Lille 1-0 St Johnstone bt Dundee Utd 2-1 LA LIGA BRAZILIAN C’SHIP Neymar admits Atl paranaense lost to ponte preta 1-2 Hulk complains Deportivo bt Espanyol 3-0 Cruzeiro bt Coritiba 2-0 Getafe bt Levante 3-0 Figueirense lost to Corinthians 1-3 talks with United of racist abuse real Sociedad drew Ath Club 0-0 Flamengo lost to Vasco da Gama 1-2 Sporting Gijon lost to real betis 1-2 Joinville drew Atl mineiro 2-2 Eibar drew Celta Vigo 1-1 ArCELONA striker Neymar had talks with ENIt St petersburg forward Hulk said he was Santos bt Internacional 3-1 barcelona bt Las palmas 2-1 premier League side manchester United, the victim of racist abuse during his side’s Sao paulo drew palmeiras 1-1 real madrid drew malaga 0-0 Bbut no offer was made. Zrussian premier League encounter at Spartak Sport bt Chapecoense 3-0 Sevilla bt rayo Vallecano 3-2 “there were talks, but nothing came of them,” moscow. the 29 year-old brazilian was seen blowing Gremio bt Avai 3-1 Villarreal bt Atletico madrid 1-0 said Neymar. kisses towards the home fans during injury time and Fluminense bt Goias 2-0 Valencia bt Granada 1-0 the brazilian forward, part of he later explained why he decided to ARGENTINIAN C’SHIP barca’s devastating attacking make the gesture. SERIE A Lanus drew Independiente 1-1 bologna lost to Udinese 1-2 trio that hit 122 goals last “Unfortunately, the same things San martin lost to Sarmiento 0-1 Genoa bt AC milan 1-0 season as the club won are happening,” Zenit’s official boca Juniors bt banfield 3-0 Inter milan lost to Fiorentina 1-4 the treble, was linked to a website quoted Hulk as saying. “I Defensa lost to Quilmes 0-1 Sassuolo drew Chievo 1-1 move to United who needed won’t pay any attention to this, as Huracan drew Velez Sarsfield 0-0 torino bt palermo 2-1 a striker and went on to sign I’ve already talked about it.” rosario Central bt Gimnasia 4-0 Anthony martial. It was not the first time Hulk Verona lost to Lazio 1-2 Crucero lost to river plate 0-1 the 23-year-old said his aim is to stay at the complained of racist abuses this year. AS roma bt Carpi 5-1 racing Club bt Argentinos Jrs 1-0 Catalan club. In march, during a match with torpedo moscow he Napoli bt Juventus 2-1 Atl rafaela lost to Union 2-3 “I hope we’ve a dream season. I want to was racially abused by the home fans. the side from BUNDESLIGA Colon lost to belgrano 0-1 have consistency with my work along with my the russian capital were sanctioned and made to play Dortmund drew SV Darmstadt 2-2 Nueva Chicago bt Aldosivi 3-1 colleagues and continue to win titles,” he said. two matches behind closed doors. E Frankfurt drew Hertha berlin 1-1 tigre drew San Lorenzo 1-1 mainz lost to bayern munich 0-3 Olimpo bt Godoy Cruz 1-0 18 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 19 FOOTBALL | INTERNATIONAL

Good fortune part of life! also very helpful, particularly at Inter Roland Zorn milan, but also at Servette. the years I spent away from munich inspired me for life. I’m still Memphis FtEr so many years in the benefiting from that experience in The Depay shadow of Franz beckenbauer my second career, as my colleagues Dutch Aand Uli Hoeness, Karl-Heinz and I need to ensure that financial rummenigge is now the figurehead conditions are right and that the of bayern munich. the former world- club is being led in a sound and class striker, who recently turned responsible way. must reinvent 60, tells FIFA Weekly why he was never jealous of beckenbauer and ЂЂYou’ve been regarded as Bayern’s Hoeness during his playing career, his ‘foreign minister’ for some time now, rumours surfaced recently that marriage to bayern and the demands due to your strong international Danny Blind could be replaced on the modern-day footballer. connections and role as the by former Dortmund boss Jurgen European Club Association chairman Klopp as the Netherlands coach. ЂЂKarl-Heinz, you turned 60 last in particular. How did this come MORE ABOUT Daley week, having now spent more about? ‘KING KALLE’ Blind than 34 years with Germany’s most ЃЂFootball has enabled me to see rummenigge joined bayern missing link munich in 1974 from borussia successful club as a world-class the whole world and, in this sport, Lippstadt. attack and defensive blunders When the “total At the ’10 and ’14 World Cups, team is now caught between player, vice-president and, since as in many other lines of work, David Winner He had his most memorable have marred the Dutch campaign. footballers” of the 1970s first first under bert van marwijk and generations. Footballers are at their 2002, as chairman of Bayern’ s it’s extremely important to have a days with the German rumours even swirled recently that deployed their sophisticated skills later Louis van Gaal, they cannily peak in their late 20s, but in losing executive board. Do you ever marvel network. to do that, you’ve to get out club, where he won the Danny blind, who only took over as and position-switching, it was turned weakness into strength by 0-3 to turkey earlier this month, at this seemingly inseparable and enjoy travelling. You’re constantly Intercontinental Cup, European Cup as well as two HE nation of Johan Cruyff coach from Guus Hiddink 12 weeks revolutionary. Now everyone can do briefly abandoning their traditional Netherlands fielded no players partnership? seeing and learning something new, league titles and as many and total Football looks set ago and lost his crucial first two it. Youth-development methods first attacking style to become between the ages of 27 and 31. ЃЂGood fortune is part and parcel of and establishing connections with domestic cups during his Tto miss next year’s European matches to Iceland and turkey, could seen at Ajax have spread throughout defensively solid counter-attackers. At one end of the age range life. When bayern munich called us at people who may be able to help 10-year career. Championship in France. What has be replaced by former Dortmund the world. rather like the british relying on breaks by Arjen were fading golden oldies like home and asked me if I could imagine you one day. I did a huge amount of rummenigge represented the West Germany national gone wrong with the Netherlands? boss Jurgen Klopp. who invented railways then saw robben and the shrewd passing of Sneijder, robben and robin travelling while serving as bayern team at the World Cups in ’78 After finishing runners-up at the In the longer term, the main other nations build better trains and Wesley Sneijder, they came within van persie. On the other were munich vice-president between 1991 (Argentina), ’82 (Spain) and 2010 World Cup and third at last problem is that the Netherlands networks, the Netherlands have a Spanish goalkeeper’s heel of youngsters like Daley blind and I’VE TRIED TO USE THE and ’02, partly to better understand mexico (’86). year’s showpiece event in brazil, the simply are not producing enough seen their ideas copied, improved winning the World Cup in South memphis Depay, with nothing in other clubs such as Ajax, manchester From ’90 to ’94, he worked CHANCES I’VE BEEN as a tV co-commentator for Oranje now languish fourth in their top-quality players any more. they upon or borrowed. France, Germany Africa. then, employing a between. Henk Spaan, editor of the GIVEN AFTER HANGING United or real madrid. the German national team’s Euro 2016 qualifying group. pioneered much that is best in and belgium now produce more top five-man defence, the Dutch influential journal Hard gras, says UP MY BOOTS. In doing so, I was able to matches. In ’91, he became merely to reach the play-offs, modern football, but have lost their players. turkey’s Oguzhan Ozyakup, crushed the defending champions his country must stop living in the constantly develop in the slipstream bayern’s vice-president. the Netherlands must now beat innovative edge. who scored against Holland in their 5-1 in brazil. It is sometimes past and learn from the nations of our then-president Franz the 60-year-old is currently Kazakhstan and the Czech republic, Euro qualifier, is actually a former forgotten that between those two that have overtaken them. While playing for a club that was already beckenbauer and general manager the chief executive officer of the FC bayern munchen AG, a and hope nearest rivals turkey slip up Netherlands youth international, successful tournaments, Holland Dutch football education between internationally renowned, it gave my Uli Hoeness, and I made the most daughter company of bayern in their last two games. who emerged at the AZ Alkmaar failed horribly at Euro 2012, losing 10 and 18 remains “unbelievably” mother a wonderful shock. of this opportunity. back then, you munich and chairman of the Few in the Netherlands expect this academy. good, he says “something goes When, as a 19-year-old in could still jump in at the deep end European Club Association. to happen. tactical errors, plodding meanwhile, it is becoming clear wrong between 18 and 21. Dutch 1974, I moved from Westphalian with a lifebelt, whereas in today’s that the Dutch may not have been DUTCH COMPETITION coaches somehow can’t transform amateur side borussia Lippstadt to world, where everything you do or quite as good as their results over SUFFERS WHEN TOP phenomenal young talents into munich for a transfer fee of 17,500 fail to do is followed pretty closely by the last five years suggested. YOUNG PLAYERS ARE mature senior players.” Deutschmark, I sensed that this was the public, you’ve to take that leap SOLD TOO EARLY. And domestic Dutch competition my big opportunity. As for my second without any such protection. Arjen suffers when top young players are career as one of bayern’s foremost Robben sold too early. In the 1980s and 90s, representatives, I can only say I had ЂЂAs the heart and soul of all three of their matches. emerging stars like ruud Gullit and the good fortune to be in the right Bayern for so many years, Now the era of great Dutch Dennis bergkamp did not leave place at the right time. I’ve tried to local hero Beckenbauer coaches is passing. Cruyff has not Holland until they were 24. Now use the chances I’ve been given after and Hoeness were always run a big team since 1996. Hiddink 20-year-olds are flying the nest. hanging up my boots to serve the more popular than you. is 68 and a spent force. Van Gaal is meanwhile, Holland’s traditional club as decisively as a striker in front Did that ever bother you? to retire in two years. meanwhile, tactics have become obsolete. of the opposition’s goal. ЃЂI’m not someone the once-fabled youth system of “Cruyff still says we’ve to play who gets jealous. In any their historically most important with wingers ahead of the ball ЂЂYou were known for being quite case, Franz’s charm and Robin club, Ajax, has not produced a to pin the opposition full-backs,” shy when you started your Bayern his bavarian manner are van Persie mega star in more than a decade says Spaan. “but full-backs are career alongside luminaries such unparalleled, and my friend (Uruguayan Luis Suarez and Swede fitter than they used to be, so you as Beckenbauer, Gerd Muller, Sepp Uli was always our club’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic passed through can’t play like that anymore. that’s Maier or Hoeness. You went on to guiding light. Everyone as young adults). modern football. the Netherlands become a world-class striker... gets the attention he Changes introduced there after must reinvent its football like ЃЂthe good Lord gave me talent and, deserves. Cruyff took over control of the club Germany did after its disastrous after a brief phase of settling in, I felt in ’11 have produced no discernible early 2000s.” a duty to make something decent of improvement. And the national — FIFA Weekly it. my professional career progressed smoothly after that. my time as a player was 10 times the the Dutch hold the they came second the Oranje had failed they won their only the ’70s saw the wonderful, primarily because Netherlands have record for playing the and third at the 2010 toto qualifyqualify forfor thethe ’12’12 Euro Championship invention of total played at the World most World Cup finals and ’14 World Cup Euro Championship in ’88. Football by the Dutch, being a professional always AT A Cup so far. without ever winning respectively.respectively. they had and they are once again pioneered by Ajax, gives you the chance to GLANCE the tournament. also finished runners- strugglingstruggling toto makemake it.it. and led by playmaker make an impact. my Karl-Heinz Rummenigge up in 1974 and ’78. Johan Cruyff and then experiences overseas at national team coach Wesley rinus michels. the end of my career were Sneijder www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 19

Good fortune part of life! also very helpful, particularly at Inter Roland Zorn milan, but also at Servette. the years I spent away from munich inspired me for life. I’m still Memphis FtEr so many years in the benefiting from that experience in Depay shadow of Franz beckenbauer my second career, as my colleagues Aand Uli Hoeness, Karl-Heinz and I need to ensure that financial rummenigge is now the figurehead conditions are right and that the of bayern munich. the former world- club is being led in a sound and class striker, who recently turned responsible way. 60, tells FIFA Weekly why he was never jealous of beckenbauer and ЂЂYou’ve been regarded as Bayern’s Hoeness during his playing career, his ‘foreign minister’ for some time now, rumours surfaced recently that marriage to bayern and the demands due to your strong international Danny Blind could be replaced on the modern-day footballer. connections and role as the by former Dortmund boss Jurgen European Club Association chairman Klopp as the Netherlands coach. ЂЂKarl-Heinz, you turned 60 last in particular. How did this come MORE ABOUT Daley week, having now spent more about? ‘KING KALLE’ Blind than 34 years with Germany’s most ЃЂFootball has enabled me to see rummenigge joined bayern successful club as a world-class the whole world and, in this sport, munich in 1974 from borussia Lippstadt. At the ’10 and ’14 World Cups, team is now caught between player, vice-president and, since as in many other lines of work, He had his most memorable first under bert van marwijk and generations. Footballers are at their 2002, as chairman of Bayern’ s it’s extremely important to have a days with the German later Louis van Gaal, they cannily peak in their late 20s, but in losing executive board. Do you ever marvel network. to do that, you’ve to get out club, where he won the turned weakness into strength by 0-3 to turkey earlier this month, at this seemingly inseparable and enjoy travelling. You’re constantly Intercontinental Cup, European Cup as well as two briefly abandoning their traditional Netherlands fielded no players partnership? seeing and learning something new, league titles and as many attacking style to become between the ages of 27 and 31. ЃЂGood fortune is part and parcel of and establishing connections with domestic cups during his defensively solid counter-attackers. At one end of the age range life. When bayern munich called us at people who may be able to help 10-year career. relying on breaks by Arjen were fading golden oldies like home and asked me if I could imagine you one day. I did a huge amount of rummenigge represented the West Germany national robben and the shrewd passing of Sneijder, robben and robin travelling while serving as bayern team at the World Cups in ’78 Wesley Sneijder, they came within van persie. On the other were munich vice-president between 1991 (Argentina), ’82 (Spain) and a Spanish goalkeeper’s heel of youngsters like Daley blind and I’VE TRIED TO USE THE and ’02, partly to better understand mexico (’86). winning the World Cup in South memphis Depay, with nothing in other clubs such as Ajax, manchester From ’90 to ’94, he worked CHANCES I’VE BEEN as a tV co-commentator for Africa. then, employing a between. Henk Spaan, editor of the GIVEN AFTER HANGING United or real madrid. the German national team’s five-man defence, the Dutch influential journal Hard gras, says UP MY BOOTS. In doing so, I was able to matches. In ’91, he became crushed the defending champions his country must stop living in the constantly develop in the slipstream bayern’s vice-president. 5-1 in brazil. It is sometimes past and learn from the nations of our then-president Franz the 60-year-old is currently forgotten that between those two that have overtaken them. While playing for a club that was already beckenbauer and general manager the chief executive officer of the FC bayern munchen AG, a successful tournaments, Holland Dutch football education between internationally renowned, it gave my Uli Hoeness, and I made the most daughter company of bayern failed horribly at Euro 2012, losing 10 and 18 remains “unbelievably” mother a wonderful shock. of this opportunity. back then, you munich and chairman of the good, he says “something goes When, as a 19-year-old in could still jump in at the deep end European Club Association. wrong between 18 and 21. Dutch 1974, I moved from Westphalian with a lifebelt, whereas in today’s DUTCH COMPETITION coaches somehow can’t transform amateur side borussia Lippstadt to world, where everything you do or SUFFERS WHEN TOP phenomenal young talents into munich for a transfer fee of 17,500 fail to do is followed pretty closely by YOUNG PLAYERS ARE mature senior players.” Deutschmark, I sensed that this was the public, you’ve to take that leap SOLD TOO EARLY. And domestic Dutch competition my big opportunity. As for my second without any such protection. suffers when top young players are career as one of bayern’s foremost sold too early. In the 1980s and 90s, representatives, I can only say I had ЂЂAs the heart and soul of all three of their matches. emerging stars like ruud Gullit and the good fortune to be in the right Bayern for so many years, Now the era of great Dutch Dennis bergkamp did not leave place at the right time. I’ve tried to local hero Beckenbauer coaches is passing. Cruyff has not Holland until they were 24. Now use the chances I’ve been given after and Hoeness were always run a big team since 1996. Hiddink 20-year-olds are flying the nest. hanging up my boots to serve the more popular than you. is 68 and a spent force. Van Gaal is meanwhile, Holland’s traditional club as decisively as a striker in front Did that ever bother you? to retire in two years. meanwhile, tactics have become obsolete. of the opposition’s goal. ЃЂI’m not someone the once-fabled youth system of “Cruyff still says we’ve to play who gets jealous. In any their historically most important with wingers ahead of the ball ЂЂYou were known for being quite case, Franz’s charm and club, Ajax, has not produced a to pin the opposition full-backs,” shy when you started your Bayern his bavarian manner are mega star in more than a decade says Spaan. “but full-backs are career alongside luminaries such unparalleled, and my friend (Uruguayan Luis Suarez and Swede fitter than they used to be, so you as Beckenbauer, Gerd Muller, Sepp Uli was always our club’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic passed through can’t play like that anymore. that’s Maier or Hoeness. You went on to guiding light. Everyone as young adults). modern football. the Netherlands become a world-class striker... gets the attention he Changes introduced there after must reinvent its football like ЃЂthe good Lord gave me talent and, deserves. Cruyff took over control of the club Germany did after its disastrous after a brief phase of settling in, I felt in ’11 have produced no discernible early 2000s.” a duty to make something decent of improvement. And the national — FIFA Weekly it. my professional career progressed smoothly after that. my time as a player was they came second the Oranje had failed they won their only the ’70s saw the wonderful, primarily because and third at the 2010 to qualify for the ’12 Euro Championship invention of total and ’14 World Cup Euro Championship in ’88. Football by the Dutch, being a professional always respectively. they had and they are once again pioneered by Ajax, gives you the chance to also finished runners- struggling to make it. and led by playmaker make an impact. my Karl-Heinz Rummenigge up in 1974 and ’78. Johan Cruyff and then experiences overseas at national team coach rinus michels. the end of my career were www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI

22 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 23

ATHLETICS

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Haroun targeting a strong comeback Run Adelebari to lead “If I’ve one person to AtAr’S Abdalelah Haroun, Stockholm, Sweden, in February thank for my exploits, touted as a huge prospect this year. Qatar charge at for the future, was expected He then made heads turn it’s my coach Jama Q to make waves at the World by winning 400m at the Doha Military Games Aden, who made Championships in beijing last Diamond League (Asian race ) in several changes to my Qatar will field a 22-member run! month. However, he pulled out of may and later the 33rd madrid track and field squad at the Sixth running style. that the 400m at the last minute due to meeting in Spain. military World Games beginning paid rich dividends. ill health. Haroun said he was already in mungyeong, South Korea, on Friday. Musaab the youngster, currently looking forward to the new Samuel Francis Adelebari, the Abdulrahman Balla recuperating from a hernia season. first Asian to run a sub-10sec operation, said he had moved on. “the Asian Indoor 100m, is expected to lead Qatar’s “It was one of the toughest charge. He will compete in both QATARI RUNNER MUSAAB ABDULRAHMAN BALLA TELLS AJU GEORGE CHRIS decisions I had to make in my life. 100 and 200m. Balla A week before the Worlds, I found THE 2016 DOHA Young Jamal Hairane (800m) ABOUT HIS IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE AT THE RECENT BEIJING WORLD I had a hernia problem. I tried DIAMOND LEAGUE, IN and Hashim Salah mohamed CHAMPIONSHIPS AND PLANS FOR THE NEW SEASON. to ignore the pain and continue MAY, WILL BE MY FIRST (3,000m steeplechase), who recently competed in the IAAF racing, but doctors advised OUTDOOR COMPETITION. Worlds in beijing are sure to get me against it. I underwent an another shot at glory. operation and had to pull the military World Games USAAb Abdulrahman Aden been? joined Qatar Sports Club and ЂЂYou come out,” Haroun told Doha Stadium Championships, at the Aspire also feature competitions in balla was mighty ЃЂYes, I’m very satisfied. I became continue with them to this day. I from a family of Plus. Dome in February, will be my archery, basketball, boxing, impressive as he the first Qatari runner to qualify for had several lucrative offers from sportspersons… “I was in great form this season first competition next season. I’ll cycling, fencing, football, golf, M handball, judo, marathon, qualified for the 800m final of the the 800m final at the Worlds and other clubs, but turned them all ЃЂthree of my and I knew I could’ve won a medal then take part at the IAAF Indoor orienteering, parachuting, sailing, World Athletics Championships finished sixth. I couldn’t have asked down. Qatar SC will be my only brothers are currently in China. I was very disappointed Worlds, in portland, the US, in shooting, swimming, taekwondo, in beijing last month. balla, who for more. club. active in athletics while with the turn of events. but my march. I’m looking forward to triathlon, volleyball, wrestling became the first Qatari runner to If I’ve one person to thank for the eldest one gave it up to parents as well as Qatar Athletics make my mark there,” he said. and pentathlons in aeronautical, do so, eventually finished sixth, in my exploits, it’s my coach Jama ЂЂWere you always an 800M join the Qatari Armed Forces. Federation officials consoled me. “the Doha Diamond League, military, modern and naval 1min, 47.1sec. Aden, who made several changes runner? mohammed was a long they said I was still young and had in may, will be my first outdoor categories. the 26-year-old had a great to my running style. that paid rich ЃЂNo, I wasn’t. being tall and distance runner and the rest of us a long road ahead. I promise to competition. I’m yet to decide the quadrennial event will season, during which he set two dividends. having good stamina, I began my followed him into track and field. repay their faith,” he added. where all I’ll compete in the run- conclude on October 11. Qatar had finished 13th with national records in the distance — I started training with him life on track as a steeplechaser. I Ahmed, the second brother, is a the 18-year-old first shot into up to rio Olympics. I’ve already three gold, one silver and two one each in indoor and outdoor. towards the end of ’09. He made thought it would be perfect for me. decathlete while moaad is also prominence after he broke the made the cut and my dream now bronze medals at the last edition While the indoor mark (1:45.48) me go through tough workout but all that changed once I made a steeplechaser. All of us have Asian indoor 400m record is to win an Olympic medal. I’m held in rio de Janeiro, brazil, in was set in February, at the XL sessions, over several months, but the Qatar national team in ’05. traditionally competed for with a 45.39sec run confident I can do it in brazil,” 2011. Galan meet in Stockholm, Sweden, it helped prime me as a runner I started to train under legendary Qatar SC. at the XL Galan said the reigning Asian and Arab the outdoor record (1:43.82) and I grew in confidence. Had it brazilian coach Luiz de Oliveira, but the fifth, maawiya, followed meet in champion. QATAR SQUAD came in July at the Catalunya not been for him, I wouldn’t have his friend’s advice and joined Al 100M Championships in barcelona, reached the final in beijing. I have Sadd. He’s a middle-distance Samuel Francis Adelebari BREAKING THE INDOOR Eid Abdullah Al Kuwari Spain. utmost trust in him. runner. 200M balla, a family man who loves NATIONAL RECORD IN ‘I’m working hard Samuel Francis Adelebari to spend time at home when he ЂЂDo you maintain a friendship STOCKHOLM WAS A HUGE ЂЂWhat’re your thoughts Ali Hassan Al Jassim is away from competitions and with your rivals? SHOT IN THE ARM FOR ME. on the’19 IAAF World for Olympic medal’ 400M mohamed Nasir Abbas Ѓ training camps, spoke about his ЂDespite being fierce opponents Championships in Doha? rabea Ibrahim Al Kuwari start in track and field, the beijing on track, I share close friendships ЃЂI’m looking forward to it. OING well at next year’s IAAF Indoor mohamed Elnour mohamed Worlds as well as the challenges with most of my fellow who thought I had the attributes Although it’s still four years World Championships in portland, the US, 800M ahead, in an exclusive interview competitors. Life outside the track to become a good 800m runner. I away, I’ve set it as one of my and rio Olympic Games would be the top mohamed Nasir Abbas D Abubaker Haydar Abdalla with Doha Stadium Plus. is very different from the one inside took his advice and never looked career goals. I’ll try my best to priorities of musaab Abdulrahman balla. Jamal Hairane it. back. win the 800m in front of home “I’m yet to talk to my coach Jama Aden about 1,500M ЂЂYou broke two national records Among them, I’m closest to fans. I understand it involves our strategy during the Olympic year. However, I’m musaab Adam Ali this year… Sudanese Abubaker Kaki Khamis, ЂЂHow supportive has your family a lot of hard work. but if I’m likely to start preparations for the new season very Said Aden Said 5,000M Ѓ ЂYes, and I’m feeling really good Algeria’s taoufik makhloufi and been? healthy, then I’m confident I early, say November, in the run-up to Asian Indoor Idriss moussa Youssouf about it. this has to be one of my Djibouti’s Ayanleh Souleiman. I ЃЂmy parents are my biggest can win gold. Championships in Doha in February and Indoor 3,000M STEEPLECHASE best seasons ever. I was healthy at constantly aspire to be like them. sources of inspiration. their Worlds a month later,” said balla. Hashim Salah mohamed the beginning of the year and knew constant encouragement has ЂЂWhat do you have to say to “my outdoor season will then start with the 400M HURDLES I could do well. breaking the indoor Ђ How did you take up the sport? guided me throughout my life. Qatari fans? Doha Diamond League in may. I’ll take part in at Gamal Abdelnasir Abubaker Ђ Hassan Aman Salmeen national record in Stockholm was ЃЂI began actively trying out One of the toughest things ЃЂI wish to thank them for least three or four events before rio to arrive in HIGH JUMP a huge shot in the arm for me and different sports from the age of 12. about being a professional athlete cheering me on through my brazil in the right frame of mind. I’ll set up my muamer Eissa barshim that motivated me to improve my After school, I used to frequent the is having to stay away from home highs and lows. competition timetable based on my fitness and mahamat Allamine Hamdi own outdoor mark. my aim for Qatar Sports Club to play football for close to eight or nine months I also thank the Emir HH preparedness during the time,” he said. LONG JUMP Ahmed mohammed Al mannai 2016 is to consistently improve and basketball. my aim was to see each year. However, modern Sheikh tamim bin Hamad the 26-year old said he would try hard to win an TRIPLE JUMP and set new continental and Arab which all sport I could excel in. gadgets and video chatting have Al thani, the Qatar Olympic Olympic medal for the country. rashid Ahmed Al mannai records. Some coaches observed my made things a lot easier. I’ve now Committee and Qatar Athletics “Winning an Olympic medal is every athlete’s DISCUS THROW ššmusaab training and they felt I would do become used to the separation. Federation for their constant dream and I’m working hard to realise it. I’m not Ahmed mohammed Dheeb Abdulrahman mohammed Khaled Al mughanne balla competes in ЂЂAre you satisfied with your well in track and field. So I tried but it may all change once I get support. very tense because I’ve already qualified for the JAVELIN THROW the 800m final of performance in Beijing? How it out, liked it immensely and married, which could happen very Without them, I couldn’t have the beijing World rio Games. I hope I can end Qatar’s drought of mohammed Fadel Al mohannadi helpful has your coach Jama decided to stick on with it. I soon soon. reached anywhere. Championships. Olympic track medals in rio,” he signed off. mohammed Kaida www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 23

Haroun targeting a strong comeback Adelebari to lead “If I’ve one person to AtAr’S Abdalelah Haroun, Stockholm, Sweden, in February thank for my exploits, touted as a huge prospect this year. Qatar charge at for the future, was expected He then made heads turn it’s my coach Jama Q to make waves at the World by winning 400m at the Doha Military Games Aden, who made Championships in beijing last Diamond League (Asian race ) in Qatar will field a 22-member several changes to my month. However, he pulled out of may and later the 33rd madrid track and field squad at the Sixth running style. that the 400m at the last minute due to meeting in Spain. military World Games beginning paid rich dividends. ill health. Haroun said he was already in mungyeong, South Korea, on Friday. Musaab the youngster, currently looking forward to the new Samuel Francis Adelebari, the Abdulrahman Balla recuperating from a hernia season. first Asian to run a sub-10sec operation, said he had moved on. “the Asian Indoor 100m, is expected to lead Qatar’s “It was one of the toughest charge. He will compete in both decisions I had to make in my life. 100 and 200m. A week before the Worlds, I found THE 2016 DOHA Young Jamal Hairane (800m) I had a hernia problem. I tried DIAMOND LEAGUE, IN and Hashim Salah mohamed to ignore the pain and continue MAY, WILL BE MY FIRST (3,000m steeplechase), who recently competed in the IAAF racing, but doctors advised OUTDOOR COMPETITION. Worlds in beijing are sure to get me against it. I underwent an another shot at glory. operation and had to pull the military World Games out,” Haroun told Doha Stadium Championships, at the Aspire also feature competitions in Plus. Dome in February, will be my archery, basketball, boxing, “I was in great form this season first competition next season. I’ll cycling, fencing, football, golf, and I knew I could’ve won a medal then take part at the IAAF Indoor handball, judo, marathon, orienteering, parachuting, sailing, in China. I was very disappointed Worlds, in portland, the US, in shooting, swimming, taekwondo, with the turn of events. but my march. I’m looking forward to triathlon, volleyball, wrestling parents as well as Qatar Athletics make my mark there,” he said. and pentathlons in aeronautical, Federation officials consoled me. “the Doha Diamond League, military, modern and naval they said I was still young and had in may, will be my first outdoor categories. a long road ahead. I promise to competition. I’m yet to decide the quadrennial event will repay their faith,” he added. where all I’ll compete in the run- conclude on October 11. Qatar had finished 13th with the 18-year-old first shot into up to rio Olympics. I’ve already three gold, one silver and two prominence after he broke the made the cut and my dream now bronze medals at the last edition Asian indoor 400m record is to win an Olympic medal. I’m held in rio de Janeiro, brazil, in with a 45.39sec run confident I can do it in brazil,” 2011. at the XL Galan said the reigning Asian and Arab meet in champion. QATAR SQUAD 100M Samuel Francis Adelebari Eid Abdullah Al Kuwari 200M ‘I’m working hard Samuel Francis Adelebari Ali Hassan Al Jassim for Olympic medal’ 400M mohamed Nasir Abbas rabea Ibrahim Al Kuwari OING well at next year’s IAAF Indoor mohamed Elnour mohamed World Championships in portland, the US, 800M and rio Olympic Games would be the top mohamed Nasir Abbas D Abubaker Haydar Abdalla priorities of musaab Abdulrahman balla. Jamal Hairane “I’m yet to talk to my coach Jama Aden about 1,500M our strategy during the Olympic year. However, I’m musaab Adam Ali likely to start preparations for the new season very Said Aden Said 5,000M early, say November, in the run-up to Asian Indoor Idriss moussa Youssouf Championships in Doha in February and Indoor 3,000M STEEPLECHASE Worlds a month later,” said balla. Hashim Salah mohamed “my outdoor season will then start with the 400M HURDLES Doha Diamond League in may. I’ll take part in at Gamal Abdelnasir Abubaker Hassan Aman Salmeen least three or four events before rio to arrive in HIGH JUMP brazil in the right frame of mind. I’ll set up my muamer Eissa barshim competition timetable based on my fitness and mahamat Allamine Hamdi preparedness during the time,” he said. LONG JUMP Ahmed mohammed Al mannai the 26-year old said he would try hard to win an TRIPLE JUMP Olympic medal for the country. rashid Ahmed Al mannai “Winning an Olympic medal is every athlete’s DISCUS THROW ššmusaab dream and I’m working hard to realise it. I’m not Ahmed mohammed Dheeb Abdulrahman mohammed Khaled Al mughanne balla competes in very tense because I’ve already qualified for the JAVELIN THROW the 800m final of the beijing World rio Games. I hope I can end Qatar’s drought of mohammed Fadel Al mohannadi Championships. Olympic track medals in rio,” he signed off. mohammed Kaida 24 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 25

tickets for the AIbA World Championships are priced between Qr10 and Tickets 50, and can be purchased online at www.boxing2015.qa. tickets are also available at Virgin megastores in Villaggio mall and Landmark mall as well available as at the venue Ali bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena during the event. “We call on BOXING online local fans to come to the arena for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the world’s top boxers,” said Qatar boxing Federation president Yousuf Ali Al Kazim, who is also the tournament’s Executive Director. TICKET WHAT THEY SAID “this edition will be a key event ‘Worlds will raise in the run-up to rio Olympics as boxers from all five continents will fight it out for a place in the quadrennial Games. the sport’s profile’ AtAr coach Juan Carlos boxing Federation (QbF), but felt a Ching Kuo-Wu, AIbA president. Gonzalez felt the World lot of work still needed to be done. Championships would help “there’s a lot of excitement “Organisationally, this is going to Q the sport develop in the region. and genuine interest among be the best edition. It’ll not only vv “the Worlds will help raise the the new generation. I think the elevate the sport in Qatar, but the sport’s profile. Championships competition will help the sport entire region will gain from it. such as these should be hosted to develop in the country as well as in promote it in the country,” Gonzalez the region. Karim Bouzidi, AIbA Executive Director. told Doha Stadium Plus. “Qatari boxers can excel, but “to be able to fight at the World they’ve to put in more hard work. GloGlo eses “After putting in thousands of Championships on home soil is a I must thank both the QbF and hours in preparation, we’re ready massive opportunity for the boxers. Qatar Olympic Committee for their to host the region’s first World Ever since Doha won the bid, it has support in taking the sport to the Championships. It’s a great been working hard to get ready. It’s next level,” said Gonzalez, who had &glory! feeling and I thank the AIbA and a great opportunity for the Qatari earlier coached Qatar from 1999 to glory! Qatar Olympic Committee for their capital to test itself against the 2007. unstinted support. world’s best,” he added. Gonzalez said training the 55-year-old Cuban, who programmes must start at schools. ANS are in for a treat as the the competitors went through pose a stiff challenge to them. Yousuf Ali Al Kazim, started his second stint as Qatar “Schools must endorse boxing Qatar boxing Federation president. THE 18TH AIBA WORLD 18th Amateur International continental qualification rounds at Cuba, the competition’s most coach two years ago, was all praise because that’s the best place where Fboxing Association (AIbA) official confederation events — a successful side with nine titles, ROLL OF for the efforts made by the Qatar you can find the talent,” he added. CHAMPIONSHIPS, TO BE HELD World Championships start at the first in AIbA’s 69-year-long history — finished second in the last edition in HONOUR AT THE ALI BIN HAMAD AL Ali bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena in thus making Doha championships ’13 when hosts Kazakhstan had won Last 10 champions Doha on October 5. the most competitive ever, with only four gold, two silver and as many Cuba, a waning force! ATTIYAH ARENA IN DOHA FROM As many as 260 pugilists — 94 the best making the cut. bronze medals to top the table. Cuba 2013 Kazakhstan OCTOBER 5 TO 15, PROMISE from Europe, Asia (66), Americas “Earlier, countries could pick their claimed two gold, one silver and a UbAN Teofilo Stevenson, who and former Soviet Union blocks TO BE THE MOST (51), Africa (32) and Oceania (17) — team, but now, for the first time in bronze. Azerbaijan (two gold, one CATEGORIES famously turned down an Kazakhstan, Ukraine and russia will fight for honours in the event, history, boxers had to qualify. this bronze) and russia (one gold, two Super Heavyweight above-91kg 2011 opportunity to earn a million giving them a tough challenge. Heavyweight below-91kg Ukraine C EXCITING EVER, WRITES to be held in the middle East for the edition will be a key event in the silver and one bronze) came third Light Heavyweight below-81kg dollars by becoming a professional Cuba last won the world title in MOHAMMAD AMIN-UL ISLAM. first time. run-up to rio Olympics as boxers and fourth respectively. Italy, with middleweight below-75kg 2009 and fighting muhammad Ali, is a 2005 at mianyang, China. boxers from 73 countries will be from all five continents will fight it one gold and two bronze, were fifth. Welterweight below-69kg russia legend in amateur boxing. In Doha, the nine-time winners Light Welterweight below-64kg seen in action in the Qatari capital. out for a place in the quadrennial thailand and India, who have Lightweight below-60kg Felix Savon and Angel Herrera will field a 10-man squad with the first edition was held in Games,” said AIbA president Ching some talented boxers in their ranks, bantamweight below-56kg 2007 are also iconic names for Cuba, Julio Cesar la Cruz (81kg) and Havana, Cuba, way back in 1974 Kuo-Wu. too would be hoping to impress. Flyweight below-52kg russia who used to be a dominant force. Lazaro Alvarez (60kg) hoping to when 274 boxers from 45 countries they finished third and fourth Light Flyweight below-49kg However, of late, Cubans retain the titles they won in the last competed. respectively behind Kazakhstan and QATAR SQUAD 2005 have struggled at the World edition in Almaty, Kazakhstan, two Cuba besides individual medals, 23 BESIDES MEDALS, 23 Uzbekistan at the Asian Hakan Nuraydin below-81kg Championships, with bulgaria years ago. QUOTA PLACES FOR THE Abdulrahman quota places for next year’s rio Championship in Abdulla Al Hadi below-75kg 2003 Olympic Games are also up for grabs, 2016 RIO OLYMPIC GAMES bangkok, thailand, Hozam Nabah below-69 kg russia FELIX SAVON (BELOW-91) TEOFILO STEVENSON (BELOW-91) ANGEL HERRERA (BELOW-60) which will make the competition all ARE ALSO UP FOR GRABS. recently and thulasi tharumalingam below-64 kg PAST World champion World champion World champion the more exciting. would be keen Abdullatef Sadiq below-60kg CUBAN 1986, ’89, ’91, ’93, ’95, ’97 1974, ’78, ’86 (above-91) 1978 (below-57), ’82, ’86 Hakan Erseker below-56kg 2001 “After putting in thousands of to continue Cuba STARS AT Olympic champion Olympic champion Olympic champion hours in preparation, we’re ready As for Qatar, Hakan Nuraydin, their fine WORLDS ’92, ’96, 2000 1972, ’76, ’80 ’76 (below-57), ’80 to host the region’s first World Abdulrahman Abdulla Al run. 1999 Championships. It’s a great feeling Hadi, Hozam Nabah, thulasi USA and I thank the AIbA and Qatar tharumalingam, Abdullatef Volunteers are Olympic Committee for their Sadiq and Hakan Erseker 1997 unstinted support in making this may not have anything russia trained well dream come true,” Qatar boxing much to shout about, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) Federation (QbF) president Yousuf Ali but the competition 1995 of the AIbA World Championships, Cuba Al Kazim told Doha Stadium Plus. is sure to boost along with the competition’s media “We’re ready to welcome the their confidence and broadcasting Committee (mbC), organised a training session for competitors. It’s going to be a considering they volunteers at the Ali bin Hamad Al spectacular competition which will will be up against Attiyah Arena last week. engage both diehard fans as well the very best. “the volunteers were trained well as families. I hope fans from other reigning with two additional workshops. the GCC countries will also attend,” he champions hands-on experience will give them added. Doha had won the right Kazakhstan confidence in handling the media. to host the Worlds, beating the will start as they’re now familiar with the venue and important work areas. the LOC MAJID challenge of thailand capital the favourites, also provided vital information so as to THE MASCOT bangkok, at the AIbA but the once- prepare them before the event,” said Executive Committee in powerful Cuba, majid, a cute fox in Qatari colours mbC head Hassan Al mohammadi. wearing boxing gears, is the mascot of Jeju, South Korea, in Azerbaijan and the volunteers will assist the mbC in World Championships. Foxes found in July, ’13. russia are expected to şşQatari boxers liaising with the local and international the desert are known to be sharp and are sure to gain media that will cover the top event. agile quite like the boxers in the ring. confidence by their duty will be to ensure a smooth competing in the workflow for the media. Worlds. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 25

MOTORSPORT

Abdulaziz’s campaign is back on track Qatar’s Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, who finished second in Cyprus, is happy to Cyprus see his middle East rally Championship (mErC) campaign back on track. After missing the previous round in Lebanon due to sponsorship issues, Abdulaziz gave eventual champion Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah a good fight in Cyprus. Abdulaziz’s runner-up finish has pushed him up to second in the standings. “It was a very challenging rally indeed. We had visibility problems throughout. Some stages should’ve been cancelled ššthe Qatar leg is the only round of Asia road racing Championship held under lights. on safety grounds. It was so bad out there that we couldn’t even see 2m in front because of dust,” said Losail set for Asia Road Racing Abdulaziz, who had won in Cyprus last year. host the season-ending race. Sajith B Warrier this is going to be the sixth year in a row that the Qatar motor and Fiesta! motorcycle Federation (QmmF) well poised to end with three HE Losail International Circuit is going to host an ArrC round titles as he is on top of the FIA in Qatar is ready to host at Losail, the only leg held under ACE QATARI DRIVER NASSER SALEH AL ATTIYAH REIGNS SUPREME World Cup for Cross-Country rallies Tthe fifth round of Asia road floodlights. IN CYPRUS TO MOVE CLOSER TO HIS 11TH MIDDLE EAST RALLY as well. racing Championship (ArrC) on “the ArrC’s penultimate round “I want to end the season the Friday and Saturday. in Losail will be worth watching. CHAMPIONSHIP CROWN, WRITES A SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT. way it began — with a win. my Ever since its inception in 1996, the championship’s objective has second Dakar triumph in January the ArrC has seen top talents in Asia remained constant in its 20-year had virtually set the tone for the fighting for supremacy. history — to provide a stepping ASSEr Saleh Al Attiyah title in 13 years if he wins the sixth but last year, he had to pull out season,” he said. ArrC races on a wide spectrum of be running into its fourth season and stone for national champions to won the middle East rally round, to be held in Jordan from midway because of a mechanical Nasser’s victory in Cyprus, where bikes ranging from the Supersport the introduction to ArrC format, the move up to the next level,” said NChampionship’s (mErC) fifth October 15 to 17. problem. a total of 62 crews competed, was 600cc, to newly-introduced 250cc Suzuki Asia Challenge. QmmF president Nasser bin Khalifa round in Cyprus to edge closer to a “I’m really so happy to win this “I’ve been enjoying this race over particularly impressive as he left a open-make class, to the open- Unlike in the previous years, when Al Attiyah. 11th regional crown. race. I tried to push hard to get 25 the years and always had a good lot of prominent drivers like poland’s make Underbone 130cc bikes, the Losail leg used to be the “Almost every rider in the ArrC the ace Qatari, who crashed points here. It was important for feeling about it. I was determined Kajetan Kajetanowicz, Ireland’s Craig which is unique to South East Asian season-ending race, this time it is comes with an impressive CV and out of the previous mErC round my title prospects, especially after to win it this time after a miserable breen and russia’s Alexey Lukyanuc motorcycle racing. the penultimate round. they measure their worth against in Lebanon, overcame that all that happened in Lebanon,” said outing last year,” added Nasser. in shade. Added to the roster of open- the previous rounds were held that of their peers,” added Al Attiyah. disappointment quickly in the Nasser, driving a Ford Fiesta rrC. the two-time Dakar rally the event was run in conjunction make categories are two single- at Sepang (malaysia), Sentul Japan’s Yuki takahashi leads the pafos-based rally featuring 16 with the eighth round of European make developmental projects — (Indonesia), Suzuka (Japan) and Supersport 600cc standings with 127 special stages and covering a total rally Championship (ErC). Honda’s Asia Dream Cup which will buriam (thailand). buriam will also points. distance of 664km to extend his I’M REALLY SO HAPPY TO WIN THIS RACE. I TRIED TO “A mixture of participants set up stay at the top. PUSH HARD TO GET 25 POINTS HERE. a showdown between the mErC SCHEDULE His compatriot Abdulaziz Al and ErC drivers, along with many 5.15pm Asia Dream Cup race 1 (7 laps) 7.15pm Asia Dream Cup race 2 (7 laps) 6.05pm Underbone 130cc race 1 (7 laps) 8.35pm Underbone 130cc race 2 (7 laps) Kuwari came second. Cypriot crews. However, I didn’t Friday, October 2 Saturday, October 3 Nasser, the winner of the first Cyprus has always been a happy champion has no time to relax check as to who all were around 7pm Asia production 250cc race 1 (9 laps) 9.30pm Asia production 250cc race 2 (9 laps) 8.05pm Supersport 600cc race 1 (15 laps) 10.30pm Supersport 600cc race 2 (15 laps) three rounds in Qatar, Kuwait and hunting ground for Nasser, who has as the 11th round of World rally me. I just kept pushing for the win. Iran, now leads the standings with now won there four times, a feat Championship (WrC) is beginning the stages were similar to that of 100 points. Abdulaziz is second accomplished only by nine-time in Corsica, France, on thursday. last year, but the dust made it more with 48 points. world rally champion Sebastian Nasser, who is the current leader challenging. but I enjoyed every bit Kallio shines on debut Nasser can clinch his 11th mErC Loeb. in the WrC support category looks of action,” he added. AtAr motor and motorcycle bad. It’s getting better and I’m full of Federation (QmmF) racing confidence as I go to Suzuka (Japan) ŠŠNasser Saleh Al Attiyah cruises to Qteam’s new rider Mika Kallio for the next round,” said Kallio, who’s victory in Cyprus. finished an impressive 11th in a two-time world champion in the moto2 category of the Aragon Grand now-defunct 125cc category. prix in Spain last week. the 32-year-old, who was the Finn, who replaced Australian riding the Speed Up prototype

Photo/ Marian Chytka Photo/ Anthony West in the QmmF team, bike developed by QmmF team started 15th on the grid and worked for the first time, made quick his way up. adjustments to the new settings. Kallio, runner-up in the moto2 “First of all, I want to thank Nasser Saleh season last year, joined the QmmF the QmmF for giving me the Al Attiyah team after the last round at misano, chance to try the Speed Up bike Italy, and has showed signs of and compete for them till the promise. end of the season. Speed Up “I haven’t spent much time with is really different to the Kalex this bike and you can’t expect me that I rode over the last four to immediately be at the same years. It’s a big challenge, but I level as the fast guys on the grid. could match my previous lap However, I think my start isn’t too times,” added Kallio. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 27

Abdulaziz’s campaign is back on track Qatar’s Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, who finished second in Cyprus, is happy to see his middle East rally Championship (mErC) campaign back on track. After missing the previous round in Lebanon due to sponsorship issues, Abdulaziz gave eventual champion Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah a good fight in Cyprus. Abdulaziz’s runner-up finish has pushed him up to second in the standings. “It was a very challenging rally indeed. We had visibility problems throughout. Some stages should’ve been cancelled ššthe Qatar leg is the only round of Asia road racing Championship held under lights. on safety grounds. It was so bad out there that we couldn’t even see 2m in front because of dust,” said Losail set for Asia Road Racing Abdulaziz, who had won in Cyprus last year. host the season-ending race. Sajith B Warrier this is going to be the sixth year in a row that the Qatar motor and motorcycle Federation (QmmF) well poised to end with three HE Losail International Circuit is going to host an ArrC round titles as he is on top of the FIA in Qatar is ready to host at Losail, the only leg held under World Cup for Cross-Country rallies Tthe fifth round of Asia road floodlights. as well. racing Championship (ArrC) on “the ArrC’s penultimate round “I want to end the season the Friday and Saturday. in Losail will be worth watching. way it began — with a win. my Ever since its inception in 1996, the championship’s objective has second Dakar triumph in January the ArrC has seen top talents in Asia remained constant in its 20-year had virtually set the tone for the fighting for supremacy. history — to provide a stepping season,” he said. ArrC races on a wide spectrum of be running into its fourth season and stone for national champions to Nasser’s victory in Cyprus, where bikes ranging from the Supersport the introduction to ArrC format, the move up to the next level,” said a total of 62 crews competed, was 600cc, to newly-introduced 250cc Suzuki Asia Challenge. QmmF president Nasser bin Khalifa particularly impressive as he left a open-make class, to the open- Unlike in the previous years, when Al Attiyah. lot of prominent drivers like poland’s make Underbone 130cc bikes, the Losail leg used to be the “Almost every rider in the ArrC Kajetan Kajetanowicz, Ireland’s Craig which is unique to South East Asian season-ending race, this time it is comes with an impressive CV and breen and russia’s Alexey Lukyanuc motorcycle racing. the penultimate round. they measure their worth against in shade. Added to the roster of open- the previous rounds were held that of their peers,” added Al Attiyah. the event was run in conjunction make categories are two single- at Sepang (malaysia), Sentul Japan’s Yuki takahashi leads the with the eighth round of European make developmental projects — (Indonesia), Suzuka (Japan) and Supersport 600cc standings with 127 rally Championship (ErC). Honda’s Asia Dream Cup which will buriam (thailand). buriam will also points. “A mixture of participants set up a showdown between the mErC SCHEDULE and ErC drivers, along with many 5.15pm Asia Dream Cup race 1 (7 laps) 7.15pm Asia Dream Cup race 2 (7 laps) 6.05pm Underbone 130cc race 1 (7 laps) 8.35pm Underbone 130cc race 2 (7 laps) Cypriot crews. However, I didn’t Friday, October 2 Saturday, October 3 check as to who all were around 7pm Asia production 250cc race 1 (9 laps) 9.30pm Asia production 250cc race 2 (9 laps) 8.05pm Supersport 600cc race 1 (15 laps) 10.30pm Supersport 600cc race 2 (15 laps) me. I just kept pushing for the win. the stages were similar to that of last year, but the dust made it more challenging. but I enjoyed every bit Kallio shines on debut of action,” he added. AtAr motor and motorcycle bad. It’s getting better and I’m full of Federation (QmmF) racing confidence as I go to Suzuka (Japan) Qteam’s new rider Mika Kallio for the next round,” said Kallio, who’s finished an impressive 11th in a two-time world champion in the moto2 category of the Aragon Grand now-defunct 125cc category. prix in Spain last week. the 32-year-old, who was the Finn, who replaced Australian riding the Speed Up prototype Anthony West in the QmmF team, bike developed by QmmF team started 15th on the grid and worked for the first time, made quick his way up. adjustments to the new settings. Kallio, runner-up in the moto2 “First of all, I want to thank season last year, joined the QmmF the QmmF for giving me the team after the last round at misano, chance to try the Speed Up bike Italy, and has showed signs of and compete for them till the promise. end of the season. Speed Up “I haven’t spent much time with is really different to the Kalex this bike and you can’t expect me that I rode over the last four to immediately be at the same years. It’s a big challenge, but I level as the fast guys on the grid. could match my previous lap However, I think my start isn’t too times,” added Kallio. 28 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 29

Qatar’s Abdullah Al tamimi finished as Al Tamimi runner-up at the eighth annual Nash Cup at second at the London Squash and Fitness Club. He lost 9-11, 11-13, 7-11 to England’s Declan James MIXED ZONE | QATAR Nash Cup in the final. It was James’s third victory in a row in the amateur event organised by the London Squash racquets Club.

VOLLEYBALL CRICKET ֫ BASKETBALL ֫ ֫ ŢŢQatar’s mohamed mohammed is poised to score against South Korea. Pakistan Super League Qatar get ready for Qatar reach GCC Championship may be moved to UAE FtEr a brief lull, the Qatar internationals are back in action as they prepare in earnest for HE inaugural pakistan Super However, according to latest last Sunday, however, Athe GCC Championship, to be held in riyadh League (pSL) twenty20 media reports, an agreement has has not made a formal from October 12 to 20. quarterfinal Ttournament, scheduled to been reached between the ECb and announcement on the Qatar had finished fourth, their best-ever be held in Qatar, may instead be pCb to hold the event in February, venue of the tournament performance, at the Asian Championship in tehran AtAr defeated South Korea by half-time. the Koreans had a while their tight defensive moved to the UAE. that will feature around last month and they continued their impressive 69-63 to qualify for the slight edge (50-48) at the end of game made it tough for the the UAE was originally the first 40 international stars form to beat Kuwait 25-19, 20-25, 25-19, 25-17 in Qquarterfinal of the biennial third quarter, but were unable to Koreans. choice, but as the Emirates Cricket THE QATAR CRICKET including the likes of a friendly at the Al Arabi Sports Club last Sunday. FIbA Asia Championship in check Qatar’s progress. Gulf champions Qatar had board (ECb) had already allotted ASSOCIATION DID NOT Chris Gayle and Kevin It was the last match for the spikers before Changsha, China, last week. mohamed mohammed scored topped Group D in the preliminary its venues in Abu Dhabi, Dubai CONFIRM THE REPORT pietersen. they leave for poland for a fortnight-long Qatar, who started their second- 16 points to end up as Qatar’s top round. they posted hard-earned and Sharjah to the masters Cricket EITHER. the Qatar Cricket training camp on September 28. round campaign with a 73-84 loss scorer. He scored 10 of those in wins against Kazakhstan (79-75, League around the same period, Association did not confirm “We were playing a competitive match to Jordan, were badly in need of a the game’s final three minutes to over time) and Lebanon (105-100, the pakistan Cricket board (pCb) the report either. after a short break. Luckily, our players hit their win to progress to the last eight. effectively thwart South Korea’s double over time) before losing to decided to move the event to 2016, in the UAE. “there’re rumours, but no straps in no time. We managed to control the And after a sedate start, Qatari plans. Chinese taipei 64-72. the Asia town Stadium in Doha’s the pCb, which unveiled the pSL official news,” said QCA’s head game and won,” said Qatar’s Argentinian coach players found their rhythm to beat Veteran players Saad Johnson, a former NbA player Industrial Area. logo at a glittering event in Lahore of events Gul Khan. Juan Manuel Cichello. their more fancied opponents. Abdulrahman and trey Johnson with Los Angeles Galaxy and New they trailed 13-17 after (both 15), along with Khalid Orleans Hornets, proved to be the RUGBY the first quarter, but Sulaiman Abdi (10), also kept the team’s most consistent performer. ֫ took a four-point scoreboard He singlehandedly pulled the team advantage (35-31) ticking out of tricky situations and kept the momentum going. Doha in a class of their own Saad, Khaled, Ali turki and Erfaan Saaeed have also proved OHA rugby Football Club while Saracens came third. Asia rugby which is the game’s invaluable so far. bench players too (DrFC) won the inaugural Qatar rugby Committee president governing body on the continent, have stepped up to the challenge DAsia Western Clubs Yousef Al Kawari congratulated the was happy with the tournament’s and that made Qatar’s progress Champions League title with an winners. organisation. easier. unblemished record in Dubai last “I’m extremely pleased with our “the tournament was an their Greek coach Vasilis Fragkias week. performance. Our players tried experiment and I’m happy it worked was pleased. Doha opened their campaign hard and their concentration never out so well. I thank the authorities “the players have all stepped up with a 19-14 win over Abu Dhabi wavered. Since rugby sevens has in Qatar, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan and to the challenge. they’re playing Saracens before steamrollering become an Olympic sport, we’ll the UAE for supporting this event,” like a well-oiled machine now. Kazakhstan’s Olymp 59-12. they now focus on developing a strong said Gregory. I hope we can end up a lot then defeated Sri Lanka’s Kandy national team. We can do really well “We’ll try to develop this into a higher than the quarterfinal 29-17 to clinch the title. on the continent,” said Al Kawari. competition between the best sides šŢQatar’s trey stage,” said Fragkias, who took Kandy finished as runners-up trevor Gregory, who heads in the region,” he added. Johnson tries to ššDoha rugby Football Club team members celebrate their triumph. dribble past South over the national side in April Korean defenders. last year. HANDBALL SCHOOLS OLYMPIC PROGRAMME ֫ ֫ CYCLING Ninth edition to start on October 4 Working towards CRICKET ֫ ֫ Pakistan Super League Sheikh Khalid allays heat fears HE ninth edition of the Qatar competitions in 12 disciplines for the 2016 rio Olympics. a common dream! Olympic Committee’s Schools — athletics, basketball, fencing, A ‘Young reporters’ programme moved back to UAE HE men’s race of the 2016 UCI US, last week. Worlds Organising Committee. TOlympic programme (SOp), football, gymnastics, handball, has also been initiated, with the AtArI clubs have expressed solidarity with the road World Championships, the QCF chief said since the event belgian John Lelangue, who is to be held under the theme ‘Sport shooting, swimming, table tennis, winner getting an opportunity national team’s aim of qualifying for the 2016 HE inaugural pakistan Super League (pSL) Tto be held in Doha from is held in October, heat would not be in charge of the race’s technical and media,’ will start on October 4. taekwondo, tennis and volleyball to work with Qatar’s media Qrio Olympics. twenty20 tournament, scheduled to be held in October 8 to 16, will be spread over an issue for riders. operations, echoed the sentiments. SOp Executive Director delegation to the rio Games. With Doha hosting the Asian Olympic Qualifying TDoha from February 4 to 24 next year, has been 253km while the women’s event “there shouldn’t be a major “there’ll be winds, but that’s part mohammed Essa Al Fadhala said the girls’ and boys’ finals will be tournament from November 14 to 23, clubs have moved back to the UAE. will run across a 138km route. of cycling. It isn’t a sand storm, but the event had continued to grow ‘ROAD TO RIO’ held at the Aspire Dome on march agreed to release national team players from the though UAE was originally the the prestigious event, held in strong winds. top riders are used to over the last eight years. PROGRAMME WILL 17 and 18 respectively. Qatar League which starts three days earlier. proposed venue for the tournament, the middle East for the first time, TOP RIDERS ARE USED competing in the tour of Qatar for “We’re immensely proud that PROVIDE A SPIRIT OF the decision was taken at a meeting between the it was decided to move it to Qatar as will also feature men’s (40km) and TO COMPETING IN THE 14 years. they know what to expect. the SOp now covers 279 boys’ and COMPETITION. clubs’ representatives and Qatar Handball Association the Emirates Cricket board (ECb) had women’s (24) individual time trial TOUR OF QATAR FOR THE I don’t foresee a huge problem,” he 263 girls’ schools across Qatar. Our (QHA) president Ahmed mohammed Abdulrab Al already allotted its stadiums to masters events. LAST 14 YEARS. said. programme has set a benchmark Shaabi last week. QHA General Secretary mohammed Champions League (mCL), an event Qatar Cycling Federation (QCF) for other nations to follow. We’ve — in addition to athletics and table Jaber Al mulla and board member Khalifa tayseer Al featuring retired international stars. president Sheikh Khalid bin Ali Al received queries from other Gulf tennis for differently abled. Jassim were also present. However, pakistan Cricket board and ECb Thani welcomed the riders to Qatar. heat concern in Doha. Since the countries to share our expertise For the first time, the organising “I thank the clubs for supporting the national agreed to a revised schedule last week whereby the “We feel honoured that the UCI temperatures are slightly warm with them. In fact, Oman, committee’s ‘road to rio’ team and agreeing to release players for the Asian pSL matches will be held in Dubai and Sharjah, and has entrusted us with the task of in October, we’re taking extra SaudiArabia and the UAE programme will provide a spirit of event. It’s our dream to qualify for the rio Games. I’m mCL ties in Abu Dhabi concurrently. organising the ’16 Worlds. We’re precautions. We’ll provide more have already started similar competition among participants confident we’ll do well,” said Al Shaabi. “We had expressed our readiness to host the pSL hopeful that there would be plenty water stations for riders. I assure programmes,” Al Fadhala said at a through quiz programmes A decision to increase the contract period of at the Asian town Stadium. We’re still ready in case of exciting tussles in Doha,” Sheikh everyone that there’ll be no danger co-ordination committee meeting designed around Olympic professional players from three to five years, provided of any contingency,” said Qatar Cricket Association Khalid said on the sidelines of to their health,” added Sheikh Khalid, last week. sports. the winner will get Mohammed it followed all guidelines from the International General Secretary Manzoor Ahmed. the ’15 UCI Worlds in richmond, who is the chairman of the ’16 the SOp is set to have a chance to travel to brazil Essa Al Fadhala Handball Federation, was also taken. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 29

Qatar’s Abdullah Al tamimi finished as Al Tamimi runner-up at the eighth annual Nash Cup at second at the London Squash and Fitness Club. He lost 9-11, 11-13, 7-11 to England’s Declan James Nash Cup in the final. It was James’s third victory in a row in the amateur event organised by the London Squash racquets Club.

VOLLEYBALL CRICKET ֫ ֫ Pakistan Super League Qatar get ready for GCC Championship may be moved to UAE FtEr a brief lull, the Qatar internationals are back in action as they prepare in earnest for HE inaugural pakistan Super However, according to latest last Sunday, however, Athe GCC Championship, to be held in riyadh League (pSL) twenty20 media reports, an agreement has has not made a formal from October 12 to 20. Ttournament, scheduled to been reached between the ECb and announcement on the Qatar had finished fourth, their best-ever be held in Qatar, may instead be pCb to hold the event in February, venue of the tournament performance, at the Asian Championship in tehran moved to the UAE. that will feature around last month and they continued their impressive the UAE was originally the first 40 international stars form to beat Kuwait 25-19, 20-25, 25-19, 25-17 in choice, but as the Emirates Cricket THE QATAR CRICKET including the likes of a friendly at the Al Arabi Sports Club last Sunday. board (ECb) had already allotted ASSOCIATION DID NOT Chris Gayle and Kevin It was the last match for the spikers before its venues in Abu Dhabi, Dubai CONFIRM THE REPORT pietersen. they leave for poland for a fortnight-long and Sharjah to the masters Cricket EITHER. the Qatar Cricket training camp on September 28. League around the same period, Association did not confirm “We were playing a competitive match the pakistan Cricket board (pCb) the report either. after a short break. Luckily, our players hit their decided to move the event to 2016, in the UAE. “there’re rumours, but no straps in no time. We managed to control the the Asia town Stadium in Doha’s the pCb, which unveiled the pSL official news,” said QCA’s head game and won,” said Qatar’s Argentinian coach Industrial Area. logo at a glittering event in Lahore of events Gul Khan. Juan Manuel Cichello.

RUGBY ֫ Doha in a class of their own OHA rugby Football Club while Saracens came third. Asia rugby which is the game’s (DrFC) won the inaugural Qatar rugby Committee president governing body on the continent, DAsia Western Clubs Yousef Al Kawari congratulated the was happy with the tournament’s Champions League title with an winners. organisation. unblemished record in Dubai last “I’m extremely pleased with our “the tournament was an week. performance. Our players tried experiment and I’m happy it worked Doha opened their campaign hard and their concentration never out so well. I thank the authorities with a 19-14 win over Abu Dhabi wavered. Since rugby sevens has in Qatar, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan and Saracens before steamrollering become an Olympic sport, we’ll the UAE for supporting this event,” Kazakhstan’s Olymp 59-12. they now focus on developing a strong said Gregory. then defeated Sri Lanka’s Kandy national team. We can do really well “We’ll try to develop this into a 29-17 to clinch the title. on the continent,” said Al Kawari. competition between the best sides Kandy finished as runners-up trevor Gregory, who heads in the region,” he added. ššDoha rugby Football Club team members celebrate their triumph.

HANDBALL SCHOOLS OLYMPIC PROGRAMME ֫ ֫ Ninth edition to start on October 4 Working towards HE ninth edition of the Qatar competitions in 12 disciplines for the 2016 rio Olympics. a common dream! Olympic Committee’s Schools — athletics, basketball, fencing, A ‘Young reporters’ programme TOlympic programme (SOp), football, gymnastics, handball, has also been initiated, with the AtArI clubs have expressed solidarity with the to be held under the theme ‘Sport shooting, swimming, table tennis, winner getting an opportunity national team’s aim of qualifying for the 2016 and media,’ will start on October 4. taekwondo, tennis and volleyball to work with Qatar’s media Qrio Olympics. SOp Executive Director delegation to the rio Games. With Doha hosting the Asian Olympic Qualifying mohammed Essa Al Fadhala said the girls’ and boys’ finals will be tournament from November 14 to 23, clubs have the event had continued to grow ‘ROAD TO RIO’ held at the Aspire Dome on march agreed to release national team players from the over the last eight years. PROGRAMME WILL 17 and 18 respectively. Qatar League which starts three days earlier. “We’re immensely proud that PROVIDE A SPIRIT OF the decision was taken at a meeting between the the SOp now covers 279 boys’ and COMPETITION. clubs’ representatives and Qatar Handball Association 263 girls’ schools across Qatar. Our (QHA) president Ahmed mohammed Abdulrab Al programme has set a benchmark Shaabi last week. QHA General Secretary mohammed for other nations to follow. We’ve — in addition to athletics and table Jaber Al mulla and board member Khalifa tayseer Al received queries from other Gulf tennis for differently abled. Jassim were also present. countries to share our expertise For the first time, the organising “I thank the clubs for supporting the national with them. In fact, Oman, committee’s ‘road to rio’ team and agreeing to release players for the Asian SaudiArabia and the UAE programme will provide a spirit of event. It’s our dream to qualify for the rio Games. I’m have already started similar competition among participants confident we’ll do well,” said Al Shaabi. programmes,” Al Fadhala said at a through quiz programmes A decision to increase the contract period of co-ordination committee meeting designed around Olympic professional players from three to five years, provided last week. sports. the winner will get Mohammed it followed all guidelines from the International the SOp is set to have a chance to travel to brazil Essa Al Fadhala Handball Federation, was also taken. 30 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 31

MIXED ZONE | INTERNATIONAL

TENNIS GOLF ֫ ֫ Dazzling Day has Belgium and Britain the world at his feet in final showdown UStrALIA’S Jason Day claimed his fourth victory in six starts and surged to the world tEVE Darcis completed a 5-5 in the third set when Delbonis ANo.1 ranking after going wire-to-wire to win thrilling comeback to send dropped serve and Darcis then the bmW Championship by six shots last Sunday. Sbelgium into their first Davis converted his first set point. the 27-year-old closed out his tournament with Cup final for more than 100 years, three consecutive breaks of a two-under-par 69 to finish at 22-under 262 at winning the deciding fifth rubber serve, two for Darcis, in the fourth Conway Farms, Illinois, US, six clear of American against Argentina. saw him serve at 5-4 but two ššSebastian Vettel cruises to victory at the Singapore Grand prix. rookie Daniel berger (69) in the third of the pGA the hosts had trailed 1-2, match points went begging and tour’s four FedExCup play-off events. but David Goffin crushed Diego Delbonis forced a tiebreak. MOTORSPORT American Scott piercy (70) was third at 15-under Schwartzman 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 to level ֫ with rickie Fowler (69), rory mcIlroy of Northern things up and then Darcis, roared COLLATED RESULTS Ireland (70) and Jb Holmes (68) sharing fourth at on by home fans, fought past WORLD GROUP SEMIFINALS AT GLASGOW 14-under. Federico Delbonis 6-4, 2-6, 7-5, 7-6 Great Britain bt Australia 3-2 Day began his final round with a six-shot lead (7-3). Andy murray (Gbr) bt thanasi 6-3, 6-0, 6-3 over a star-studded pack that included mcIlroy, who Darcis had squandered two Kokkinakis (AUS) bernard tomic (AUS) bt Dan 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), he toppled from the No.1 spot, and US Open and match points at 5-4 in the fourth Evans (Gbr) 6-7 (4-7), 6-4 Street-smart Seb! masters winner Jordan Spieth — who was ranked set, but after forging ahead in Andy murray/Jamie murray 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, (Gbr) bt Lleyton Hewitt/Sam 6-7 (6-8), 6-4 second going into the event. the tiebreak he powered away a Groth (AUS) ErrArI’S Sebastian Vettel obviously I didn’t get that,” said and made a flying getaway from meanwhile, little-known Swede rikard Karlberg smash to end the contest and was Andy murray (Gbr) bt bernard 7-5, 6-3, 6-2 won an incident-packed Hamilton. the front of the grid. beat twice major winner martin Kaymer on the immediately mobbed by his team- tomic (AUS) thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS) bt 7-5, 6-4 FSingapore Formula One Nico rosberg finished fourth the 28-year-old opened up Intruder sets second hole of a play-off to win the Italian Open. mates who rushed on to court to Dan Evans (Gbr) Grand prix last Sunday after world for mercedes to cut Hamilton’s a commanding 3sec lead over Karlberg (67) and German Kaymer (70) ended celebrate. AT BRUSSELS champion Lewis Hamilton retired championship lead to 41 points. ricciardo on the opening lap and pulses racing the tournament with matching 19-under totals of Jason belgium, who have never won Belgium bt Argentina 3-2 David Goffin (bEL) bt Federico 7-5, 7-6 (7-3) early for the first time this season. Vettel trails Hamilton by 49 and was never seriously challenged. A lone intruder set pulses racing 269 before the Swede took the title by birdying the Day the team competition, will have Delbonis (ArG) 6-3 Starting from pole position, raikkonen is 145 adrift with a at the Singapore Grand prix second play-off hole. home advantage against Andy Leonardo mayer (ArG) bt 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 Vettel led all the way to take the maximum of 150 points available when he ambled across the Seven players tied for third place on 270. murray’s britain who reached their Steve Darcis (bEL) (7-1), 4-6, 6-3 RESULTS floodlit track midway through Carlos berlocq/Leonardo 6-2, 7-6 (7-2), chequered flag for the fourth time from the remaining six races. 1. Sebastian Vettel (GEr) Ferrari 2:01:22 first final for 37 years by beating mayer (ArG) bt ruben 5-7, 7-6 (7-5) the race and strolled by the at the floodlit marina bay Street No other driver has a chance of 2. Daniel ricciardo (AUS) red bull at 1.47 Australia. bemelmans/Steve Darcis (bEL) metal fences as cars sped past. Circuit. winning the championship. 3. Kimi raikkonen (FIN) Ferrari 17.1 Victory had looked a big ask as David Goffin (bEL) bt Diego 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 4. Nico rosberg (GEr) mercedes 24.7 Ferrari winner Sebastian Vettel US captain Juli Inkster had urged her players to “stomp on” Schwartzman (ArG) “It must be one of my best races. Vettel’s win was the German’s 5. Valtteri bottas (FIN) Williams 34.2 got the fright of his life when US stomp Europe and they carried out the instructions to a tee, fighting Argentina won the doubles to take Steve Darcis (bEL) bt Federico 6-4, 2-6, 7-5, It was pretty intense. If we’ve third this season and the 42nd of STANDINGS he spotted the man as he came on Europe! back to win a controversial Solheim Cup match in Germany. a 2-1 lead, but the failure of their Delbonis (ArG) 7-6 (7-3) more races like this, we can catch Hamilton was running fourth his career, enabling the quadruple DRIVERS around a corner. the home team went into the last 12 singles holding a No.1 Leonardo mayer to take mercedes,” said Vettel. approaching the halfway of the world champion to overtake the 1. Lewis Hamilton (Gbr) 252 the German shouted over 10-6 lead, following unsavoury scenes over the to court against Goffin helped 2. Nico rosberg (GEr) 211 the team radio that there was a non-concession of a short American putt in the four balls carried “maybe we can make the 61-lap race when he lost engine late Ayrton Senna into outright ŢŢmembers belgium swing the tie around. 3. Sebastian Vettel (GEr) 203 over from the previous day, but the US rallied to triumph by 14.5 impossible possible and we’ll power, dropping back through third place for the most wins, man on track as race stewards of the bmC Goffin described his 4. Kimi raikkonen (FIN) 107 instantly ordered the drivers to to 13.5 points. racing team definitely go for it,” he added. the field before he was told to trailing only michael Schumacher 5. Valtteri bottas (FIN) 101 slow down. the Americans were enraged when Alison Lee and brittany celebrate with performance as ‘perfect’ as he Australia’s Daniel ricciardo return to the garage and call it a (91) and Alain prost (51). CONSTRUCTORS the safety car was deployed Lincicome lost to Charley Hull and Suzann pettersen by two holes. the medals. left the stage for Darcis, perhaps finished second for red bull, his night. A proven master on the slow 1. mercedes 463 best known for beating rafael 2. Ferrari 310 while the man slipped back best result of a frustrating year, “I was waiting for that time and twisty Singapore track, Vettel 3. Williams 198 through another hole in the Nadal at Wimbledon in 2013. while Vettel’s team-mate Kimi when I could push and see what gave his rivals no chance when he 4. red bull 139 fence without crossing the track. Darcis sailed through raikkonen crossed the line third. I could get from the car, but, planted his foot on the accelerator 5. Force India 69 the first set, but Delbonis dominated the second with RUGBY his opponent growing Steve ֫ weary. Darcis Japan do giant-killing act! the crunch moment came at ApAN recorded the biggest in a dramatic late onslaught that tears of joy at the end of a thrilling upset in World Cup history ultimately carved the opening for encounter that ebbed and flowed Jas substitute Karne Hesketh Hesketh to dive over in the corner. throughout, though few, if any, scored on the last play of the game “We always thought we could would have predicted defeat for the to seal a 34-32 victory over beat them. It’s fantastic for the team 1995 and 2007 champions. CYCLING two-time winners South Africa. ֫ It was only the second win in 25 COLLATED RESULTS Former US Open semifinalist Yanina World Cup matches for the Asian IT’S GOT TO GO DOWN AS POOL A Wickmayer Wickmayer produced a superb fightback to nation, but they fully deserved to ONE OF THE GREATEST BMC Racing win team time trial Wales bt Uruguay 54-9 breaks jinx beat poland’s magda Linette 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 take the spoils from the pulsating GAMES IN WORLD CUP England bt Fiji 35-11 and win the Japan Open. pool b encounter at the brighton HISTORY. POOL B mErICAN outfit bmC rohan Dennis clocked 42min, “this was a huge goal for us, Wickmayer, who reached the 2009 US Community Stadium in East Sussex, Samoa bt United States 25-16 racing retained their men’s 7sec on the 38.6km course. I’m honoured to be part of that Open final, had not won a tournament since ’10. the belgian dug herself out of a hole in England. Japan bt South Africa 34-32 Ateam time trial title at the they beat belgian team Etixx- team,” said phinney, who recently Japan’s bravery and tenacity was and for Japanese rugby. We worked POOL C road World Championships in Quick Step, led by triple individual returned to competition after tokyo as she claimed the fourth title of her Yanina career. in evidence throughout the contest, hard for this. It’s got to go down as New Zealand bt Argentina 26-16 richmond, the US, last Sunday. time trial world champion tony more than a year on the sidelines Wickmayer meanwhile, Annika beck won her second but no more so than in the dying one of the greatest games in World Georgia bt tonga 17-10 Italians manuel Quinziato martin, by 11sec, according to following a crash. career title and avenged a loss at the US stages. Eschewing the chance to Cup history,” said Japan coach Eddie POOL D and Daniel Oss, American taylor provisional timings. the women’s team time trial Open with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Jelena kick a penalty that would have tied Jones. Ireland bt Canada 50-7 phinney, Swiss Silvan Dillier Spanish side movistar took the event was won by the Velocio- Ostapenko in the Quebec City Open. ššJapan’s Karne Hesketh, right, scores winning try against South Africa. the scores, Japan went in for the kill Japan players and fans shed France bt Italy 32-10 and Stefan Kung and Australian bronze. SrAm team. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 31

CYCLING ֫ Former US Open semifinalist Yanina Wickmayer Wickmayer produced a superb fightback to BMC Racing win team time trial beat poland’s magda Linette 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 breaks jinx and win the Japan Open. mErICAN outfit bmC rohan Dennis clocked 42min, “this was a huge goal for us, Wickmayer, who reached the 2009 US racing retained their men’s 7sec on the 38.6km course. I’m honoured to be part of that Open final, had not won a tournament since Ateam time trial title at the they beat belgian team Etixx- team,” said phinney, who recently ’10. the belgian dug herself out of a hole in road World Championships in Quick Step, led by triple individual returned to competition after tokyo as she claimed the fourth title of her Yanina career. richmond, the US, last Sunday. time trial world champion tony more than a year on the sidelines Wickmayer meanwhile, Annika beck won her second Italians manuel Quinziato martin, by 11sec, according to following a crash. career title and avenged a loss at the US and Daniel Oss, American taylor provisional timings. the women’s team time trial Open with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Jelena phinney, Swiss Silvan Dillier Spanish side movistar took the event was won by the Velocio- Ostapenko in the Quebec City Open. and Stefan Kung and Australian bronze. SrAm team. 32 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 33

PEOPLE SPORT THIS WEEK

Germany’s Florian Reus David Haggerty of the US was Orlando City striker Cyle America’s unbeaten Deontay won the historic 245.3km elected as president of the Larin scored his second Wilder battered French QATAR Spartathlon race for the first International tennis Federation hat-trick of the season to challenger Johann Duhaupas en WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 time, clocking 23:17.31sec. (ItF), beating India’s Anil set a new record for the route to an 11th-round technical reus, 31, was second in the Khanna. Haggerty, 58, most goals by a rookie in knockout to retain his World FOOTBALL last two years and, as the was elected to a four- major League Soccer. He boxing Council heavyweight WAFF Under-23 Championship, Jordan vs Yemen, 4.30pm, Lekhwiya winner of the race, he received year term on the second netted twice in the first world title. In front of his home Stadium, Qatar vs palestine, 7.30pm, an olive wreath and a cup of ballot at the ItF’s annual half and once more in the state fans in birmingham, Lekhwiya Stadium. water from the Evrotas river. general meeting in Santiago, second in his team’s 5-2 Alabama, Wilder displayed his THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1 Chile, garnering 200 votes to win over a 10-man red fierce power as he took his FOOTBALL Khanna’s 192. bulls in New York. record to 35-0 with 34 wins Qatar Stars League, Al Ahli vs Al Sadd, inside the distance. 5.45pm, Al Ahli Satdium, Al Sailiya vs Lekhwiya, 5.45pm, Al Sadd Stadium, Al Arabi vs Al Gharafa, 8pm, Al Sadd brazil striker Roberto Firmino Australian fast bowler Pat the parents of brazil forward Sri Lanka’s Tharindu Kaushal has Stadium, Al Kharaitiyat vs El Jaish, has withdrawn from the squad Cummins is unlikely to be Neymar have denied any been barred from bowling the 8pm, Al Ahli Stadium. WAFF Under-23 Championship, for next month’s World Cup fit until at least the World wrongdoing after a judge froze doosra after independent test Iran vs bahrain, 4.30pm, Lekhwiya qualifiers and been replaced by twenty20 Cricket in India 188.8m reais ($47.6m) of the results showed it was illegal, the Stadium, UAE vs Syria, 7.30pm, vs Saudi Arabia, 4.30pm, Lekhwiya SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4 35-year old former AC milan next year as he battles to player’s assets in a tax evasion International Cricket Council (ICC) Lekhwiya Stadium. Stadium, UAE vs Oman, 7.30pm, Lekhwiya Stadium. FOOTBALL forward ricardo Oliveira. Firmino recover from a third stress case. Neymar is accused of not said. the 22-year-old, who has a FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2 WAFF Under-23 Championship, Iran MOTORSPORT was substituted after landing fracture in his lower back in paying 63.3m reais in taxes distinctive high-knee run-up, can FOOTBALL vs Saudi Arabia, 4.30pm, Lekhwiya Asia road racing Championship, Stadium, UAE vs Oman, 7.30pm, awkwardly in Liverpool’s 3-2 three years. the highly-rated between 2011 and ’13, but his continue bowling off-breaks. “the Qatar Stars League, Al rayyan League Cup penalty shoot-out 22-year-old has endured a parents said he was not a results showed that the level of 5pm onwards at Losail International Lekhwiya Stadium. vs mesaimeer, 5.45pm, Al Sadd Circuit. AFC Under-19 Championship win over Carlisle United last terrible run of injuries since partner in the firms. elbow extension was well within the Stadium, Qatar SC vs Umm Salal, qualification, Kyrgyzstan vs Oman, week. his sole test against South 15-degree level of tolerance permitted 8pm, Al Sadd Stadium, Al Khor vs Al 6pm, Al Arabi Stadium, Lebanon vs Wakrah, 8pm, Al Khor Stadium. Qatar, 8.30pm, Al Arabi Stadium. Africa in 2011. under the regulations,” the ICC said. AFC Under-19 Championship qualification, Qatar vs Kyrgyzstan, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6 6pm, Al Arabi Stadium, Oman vs Lebanon, 8.30pm, Al Arabi Stadium BOXING MOTORSPORT AIbA World C’ships, 2pm onwards Ali Asia road racing Championship, bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena. 2pm onwards at Losail International FOOTBALL Circuit. STAR OF THE WEEK JORDAN SPIETH MOVERS&SHAKERS WAFF Under-23 Championship, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 Jordan vs palestine, 4.30pm, Lekhwiya Stadium, Qatar vs Yemen, 7.30pm, FOOTBALL Lekhwiya Stadium. Seasoned Venus reaches WAFF Under-23 Championship, AFC Under-19 Championship palestine vs Yemen, 4.30pm, qualification, Qatar vs Oman, 6pm, Al Lekhwiya Stadium, Qatar vs Jordan, Arabi Stadium, Lebanon vs Kyrgyzstan, OrDAN Spieth capped an in the first two events of the US 700 career victories 7.30pm, Lekhwiya Stadium, Iran 8.30pm, Al Arabi Stadium. epic season with a tour tour’s elite four tournament JChampionship victory that play-off series. mErICAN tennis ace Venus told me before. I would’ve been boosted him back to world No.1 “I got mad,” said Spieth, who Williams beat Germany’s a little bit nervous,” Williams told and helped him earn the pGA of responded by preparing for the AJulia Goerges at the Wuhan reporters. INTERNATIONAL America player of the year award. tour Championship as if it was a Open to reach 700 career wins on She added, with a smile, that her WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 MOTORSPORT the 22-year-old texan, whose major. “I didn’t have great tuesday, becoming the only active first thought now was how long rally of France (till Sunday). five wins this season included the play-offs, but I put a lot into this women’s player to achieve would it take her to get to FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2 masters and US Open, fired a week. mentally I stayed in it, and the milestone other than 800. Williams, who is the her sister Serena. oldest player at Wuhan CRICKET final-round 69 for 271 for a boy, that putter sure paid off.” India vs South Africa, 1st t20I at four-shot win over Sweden’s Day had come on strong at the the 35-year-old, and turned professional Dharamsala. Henrik Stenson, New Zealand’s end of the season, but with this still winning despite in 1994 when Goerges SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 Danny Lee and England’s Justin win Spieth dampened any debate her ongoing fight with was not yet six, CRICKET rose. about who would deserve player of Sjogren’s Syndrome, becomes only the ninth Zimbabwe vs pakistan, 2nd ODI at With the win — and Jason Day’s the Year honours. said she had no idea player to reach 700 wins. Harare. 10th-place finish — Spieth will Spieth started the day with a she was approaching the martina Navratilova (1,442 RUGBY SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4 recapture the No.1 ranking which one-stroke lead over Stenson milestone before her 6-4, 6-3 wins), Chris Evert (1,309) and Steffi World Cup in England (till October CYCLING victory in China. Graf (902) head the list while Serena 31). tour of Lombardy. the Australian had held for a week. and the Swede, who could also MONDAY, OCTOBER 5 He also set a US pGA tour have seized the play-off “I didn’t know. I’m glad nobody hit 700 in April and is now on 737. TENNIS HORSERACING Atp at Kuala Lumpur Shenzhen; WtA Qatar prix de l’Arc de triomphe at CRICKET record for earnings, the tour bonus with a win, tried to at Wuhan, tashkent (till Sunday). Longchamp. Zimbabwe vs pakistan, 3rd ODI Harare; India vs South Africa 2nd Championship first prize of keep the pressure on. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1 $1.485m taking his total for back-to-back t20I at Cuttack. Ronaldo to help China football CRICKET the year to $12,030,465 — not bogeys from Spieth at the TENNIS Zimbabwe vs pakistan at Harare, Atp at Kuala Lumpur, Shenzhen; WtA including the $10m bonus that fifth and sixth saw Stenson pull rAZILIAN great Ronaldo will president Xi Jinping, a football fan 1st ODI. at Wuhan (till Oct 4). came with his FedEx Cup play-off level, but Spieth was just too open 30 football schools in who is pushing for the country to GOLF TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6 title. good on the greens. China, the three-time FIFA host the World Cup finals one day, EpGA at Alfred Dunhill Championship, B Fife; LpGA at reignwood pinbe Vally BASEBALL “this year is unreal,” said Spieth He poured in a 21-foot World player of the Year said on attempts to resurrect the image Classic, beijing (till Sunday). major League post-season begins. who, in addition to his two major birdie putt at the eighth as tuesday, as they continue with of the sport at home after years of victories, finished tied for fourth at Stenson bogeyed to restore ambitious reforms aimed at corruption. the british Open and runner-up to his two-shot cushion. making themselves world ronaldo said the speed Day at the pGA Championship. “I He drained an beaters. of development and don’t know how we sit down and 18-footer at the ninth to the franchises will Xi’s ambition had been figure out how to improve on it, maintain his advantage be mainly located in factors behind his but we’re going to try and do that.” despite Stenson’s birdie beijing, Shanghai and move. Spieth also won the US tour’s and bounced back from Shenzhen with the “besides business, Valspar Championship and John a bogey at 10 with a former barcelona, real the major reason Deere Classic, but admitted he was 47-foot birdie putt at the madrid and Inter milan for me to open football stung by back-to-back missed cuts 11th. striker expected to be present school in China is because when the first opens in the Chinese there’re lots of fans in the country, capital in November. and government focuses on the move comes as Chinese development,” he said. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 33

SPORT THIS WEEK

America’s unbeaten Deontay Wilder battered French QATAR challenger Johann Duhaupas en WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 route to an 11th-round technical knockout to retain his World FOOTBALL boxing Council heavyweight WAFF Under-23 Championship, Jordan vs Yemen, 4.30pm, Lekhwiya world title. In front of his home Stadium, Qatar vs palestine, 7.30pm, state fans in birmingham, Lekhwiya Stadium. Alabama, Wilder displayed his THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1 fierce power as he took his FOOTBALL record to 35-0 with 34 wins Qatar Stars League, Al Ahli vs Al Sadd, inside the distance. 5.45pm, Al Ahli Satdium, Al Sailiya vs Lekhwiya, 5.45pm, Al Sadd Stadium, Al Arabi vs Al Gharafa, 8pm, Al Sadd Sri Lanka’s Tharindu Kaushal has Stadium, Al Kharaitiyat vs El Jaish, been barred from bowling the 8pm, Al Ahli Stadium. WAFF Under-23 Championship, doosra after independent test Iran vs bahrain, 4.30pm, Lekhwiya results showed it was illegal, the Stadium, UAE vs Syria, 7.30pm, vs Saudi Arabia, 4.30pm, Lekhwiya SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4 International Cricket Council (ICC) Lekhwiya Stadium. Stadium, UAE vs Oman, 7.30pm, Lekhwiya Stadium. FOOTBALL said. the 22-year-old, who has a FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2 WAFF Under-23 Championship, Iran MOTORSPORT distinctive high-knee run-up, can FOOTBALL vs Saudi Arabia, 4.30pm, Lekhwiya Asia road racing Championship, Stadium, UAE vs Oman, 7.30pm, continue bowling off-breaks. “the Qatar Stars League, Al rayyan results showed that the level of 5pm onwards at Losail International Lekhwiya Stadium. vs mesaimeer, 5.45pm, Al Sadd Circuit. AFC Under-19 Championship elbow extension was well within the Stadium, Qatar SC vs Umm Salal, qualification, Kyrgyzstan vs Oman, 15-degree level of tolerance permitted 8pm, Al Sadd Stadium, Al Khor vs Al 6pm, Al Arabi Stadium, Lebanon vs Wakrah, 8pm, Al Khor Stadium. Qatar, 8.30pm, Al Arabi Stadium. under the regulations,” the ICC said. AFC Under-19 Championship qualification, Qatar vs Kyrgyzstan, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6 6pm, Al Arabi Stadium, Oman vs Lebanon, 8.30pm, Al Arabi Stadium BOXING MOTORSPORT AIbA World C’ships, 2pm onwards Ali Asia road racing Championship, bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena. 2pm onwards at Losail International FOOTBALL Circuit. MOVERS&SHAKERS WAFF Under-23 Championship, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 Jordan vs palestine, 4.30pm, Lekhwiya Stadium, Qatar vs Yemen, 7.30pm, FOOTBALL Lekhwiya Stadium. Seasoned Venus reaches WAFF Under-23 Championship, AFC Under-19 Championship palestine vs Yemen, 4.30pm, qualification, Qatar vs Oman, 6pm, Al Lekhwiya Stadium, Qatar vs Jordan, Arabi Stadium, Lebanon vs Kyrgyzstan, 700 career victories 7.30pm, Lekhwiya Stadium, Iran 8.30pm, Al Arabi Stadium. mErICAN tennis ace Venus told me before. I would’ve been Williams beat Germany’s a little bit nervous,” Williams told AJulia Goerges at the Wuhan reporters. INTERNATIONAL Open to reach 700 career wins on She added, with a smile, that her tuesday, becoming the only active first thought now was how long WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 MOTORSPORT rally of France (till Sunday). women’s player to achieve would it take her to get to FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2 the milestone other than 800. Williams, who is the her sister Serena. oldest player at Wuhan CRICKET India vs South Africa, 1st t20I at the 35-year-old, and turned professional Dharamsala. still winning despite in 1994 when Goerges SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 her ongoing fight with was not yet six, CRICKET Sjogren’s Syndrome, becomes only the ninth Zimbabwe vs pakistan, 2nd ODI at said she had no idea player to reach 700 wins. Harare. she was approaching the martina Navratilova (1,442 RUGBY SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4 milestone before her 6-4, 6-3 wins), Chris Evert (1,309) and Steffi World Cup in England (till October CYCLING victory in China. Graf (902) head the list while Serena 31). tour of Lombardy. MONDAY, OCTOBER 5 “I didn’t know. I’m glad nobody hit 700 in April and is now on 737. TENNIS HORSERACING Atp at Kuala Lumpur Shenzhen; WtA Qatar prix de l’Arc de triomphe at CRICKET at Wuhan, tashkent (till Sunday). Longchamp. Zimbabwe vs pakistan, 3rd ODI Harare; India vs South Africa 2nd Ronaldo to help China football THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1 t20I at Cuttack. CRICKET TENNIS Zimbabwe vs pakistan at Harare, Atp at Kuala Lumpur, Shenzhen; WtA rAZILIAN great Ronaldo will president Xi Jinping, a football fan 1st ODI. at Wuhan (till Oct 4). open 30 football schools in who is pushing for the country to GOLF TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6 China, the three-time FIFA host the World Cup finals one day, EpGA at Alfred Dunhill Championship, B Fife; LpGA at reignwood pinbe Vally BASEBALL World player of the Year said on attempts to resurrect the image Classic, beijing (till Sunday). major League post-season begins. tuesday, as they continue with of the sport at home after years of ambitious reforms aimed at corruption. making themselves world ronaldo said the speed beaters. of development and the franchises will Xi’s ambition had been be mainly located in factors behind his beijing, Shanghai and move. Shenzhen with the “besides business, former barcelona, real the major reason madrid and Inter milan for me to open football striker expected to be present school in China is because when the first opens in the Chinese there’re lots of fans in the country, capital in November. and government focuses on the move comes as Chinese development,” he said. 34 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 35

MOSAIC

ACHIEVEMENT CAMEO Corinthians in Twitter deal brazilian football side Corinthians, Neymar signs the most popular club on social Connecting media outside Europe, entered with Gillette into a new partnership with Stade de France twitter. the deal will see the barcelona football star Neymar is Stade de France announced a deal club introduce a number of small the new face of shaving supplies with CommScope that will see ads on their twitter feed. the ads and other personal care products a major upgrade to the French will appear as videos using twitter of the of Gillette in Latin America. At national stadium’s Wi-Fi Amplify. twitter also has similar agreements in place the unveiling, held at the iconic connectivity. Accordingly, with the likes of the National Football League, major LIFESTYLE Camp Nou, Neymar said, “I’ve CommScope will become League baseball and UEFA Champions League. always liked looking after myself the Official Supplier of and creating new styles. It gives telecommunications and It Badminton bids to me confidence. I feel honoured to Networks. CommScope will also be part of the Gillette team that Audi to buy Red Bull F1 provide approximately 70km of its dunes has historically brought the greats Systimax LazrSpeed multimode from this sport together.” German auto manufacturer Audi is shed staid image widely reported to be considering fibre cabling and around 44km joining Formula One by acquiring of GigaSpeed X10D Category 6A ADmINtON’S bid to make women players the red bull racing team. media cabling to the stadium. wear skirts may have been ill-advised, but reports suggest the deal will be — Courtesy CSM Sport & Entertainment Bthe sport is again seeking a new image to completed in a few weeks though www.csm.com ISSAN patrol again there’re no conditions it can’t bring in fans and revenue. it would not begin until 2018. @FastTrack_ME proved its toughness and tackle and conquer. We believe Even in China, where badminton has mass Nversatility by setting a the latest award shows it’s one participation and world-beating stars, its visibility GuinnessHero world record for the of the best production cars in the dims in the glare of more glamorous rivals like fastest time to ascend a 100m market for off-roading and dune basketball, football and tennis. HEALTH sand dune by a production car. bashing.” New scoring, new advertising and even patrol, dubbed the ‘Hero of the latest feat bears testimony new shuttlecocks and court colours are being All terrains in Life’, climbed the to the superiority of the Nissan considered as badminton looks to shed its staid When small portion is right imposing dune in Jordan’s Wadi patrol when going off-road in image and stand out in the digital age. rum, which had an intimidating the challenging conditions in the badminton World Federation’s new commercial DULtS consume more food studies with a combined 6,600 more food and drink when offered slope of 49 degrees, in 4.9sec. middle East. division head Owen Leed said the sport needed when it comes in bigger participants that examined how larger-sized portions, packages, Earlier, patrol had pulled a “the first Nissan patrol in the cachet if it was to compete. Apackages or is served on the size of things like cereal bowls or tableware than when offered cargo plane weighing 170.9 tons middle East arrived in Kuwait in “that’s one of the challenges we’ve — how do larger plates, a review of past and snack bags influences the smaller-sized versions,” said lead for more than 50m at the Sharjah 1956 and now its status in the we make the sport more glamorous?” Leed said at research has found. number of calories people take in. study author Dr Gareth Hollands, a International Airport to smash the region is nothing short of iconic. last week’s Sports matters industry conference in researchers Combined, these brief behavioural health researcher at the record of ‘heaviest object pulled While loyalty to the car stretches Singapore. “that could cross everything from how analysed 58 experiments suggest that smaller University of Cambridge in the UK. by any production vehicle’ by 15 back decades, we’re expanding we run our events in future to how we present on containers, dishes and cutlery the results, published in the tons. to a new audience all the time television to how we profile our stars.” might help adults consume Cochrane Database of Systematic Nissan middle East managing as the record number of vehicles up to 16 per cent fewer Reviews, highlight the important Director Samir Cherfan, said, leaving the showrooms indicates,” calories in the UK and 29 role of environmental influences “Nissan patrol has again proved said Samir. per cent less in the US. on food consumption and suggest “It provides the most that actions to limit exposure conclusive evidence to larger serving sizes may be OFFBEAT to date that people effective tools for getting people CONFERENCE ‘Golden Bolt’ going strong consistently consume eat less, Hollands said. TECHNOLOGY ApANESE centenarian Hidekichi played the Japanese board game Soccerex all set for Miyazaki set a fresh record as “Go” had passed away, according to WHO says over half of Jthe world’s oldest competitive Guinness World records. interactive summit sprinter last week, a day after miyazaki, known as ‘Golden bolt’ Europeans are too fat Mix of car and motorcycle turning 105, but said he was for imitating Jamaican Olympic HE major Events Summit to be held in disappointed at falling short of his gold medallist Usain bolt’s famed UrOpE has the world’s highest evidence, research and London on October 26 and 27 will provide HAt happens when “In a car, you’re always inside a the new vehicle has the same own personal best. lightning bolt pose, says he longs rates of drinking and smoking, innovation. TSoccerex and major Events International you mix a car with a box somehow, but on a bike you’re engine developed for Honda’s “I wanted to shave off a few more for the opportunity to challenge the Eand more than half its people Stein added it could have the (mEI) a highly-interactive, knowledge sharing and Wmotorcycle? Honda’s really outside and you’re open to motoGp racing bikes, namely a seconds as I had registered 36sec fastest man in the world. are too fat, putting them at high most serious impact on young profile-enhancing opportunity. With a unique mix new concept design might be the all the elements and all the sounds, V-4 four-stroke engine with 212 while training,” miyazaki, wearing a Asked the secret of his success, risk of heart disease, cancer and people since their lives of attendees from leading answer. the smells, the vibrations, heat, rain; horsepower at 13,000rpm. bright red t-shirt and running shorts, miyazaki said he exercised daily, ate other deadly illnesses, health may be shortened unless edge suppliers with sports project 2&4, named after Honda’s whatever you can imagine. And said after completing his heat in in moderation and chewed officials warned recently. something is done to and venue key officials, two-wheel and four-wheel that’s the part of the motorcycle side 42.22. his food properly. In a report on health in its reduce consumption of round tables and panels racing roots, made its debut we wanted to get into this vehicle,” His personal record of 34.10, European region, the World Health tobacco, alcohol and will allow for detailed at the Frankfurt motor Show, said martin petersson, a motorcycle chalked up when he was 103, Organisation (WHO) said that while calories. discussions and new which concluded last week. designer at Honda. remains unbeaten for a many countries had reduced risk Under 60 per cent relationships to be formed. Designer martin petersson centenarian. factors for premature death, rates of people in the the first day of the summit will focus on safety says it combines the freedom born on September of obesity, tobacco use and alcohol WHO’s European and security for major sports events, followed by of a motorcycle with the 22, 1910, miyazaki did consumption “remain alarmingly region are either the mEI awards and sports legend dinner. the manoeuvrability and stability of not start running high”. overweight or second day will focus on the use of technology a car. until he was in his “Europeans drink and smoke obese and 30 per and best practice generally when running and A ‘floating seat’ design amps 90s, since many more than anyone else. We’re cent use tobacco. supplying into events. up the thrill factor, putting the of the friends world champions — and it’s not Some 11 litres of the outputs from the summit will help shape driver as close to the action as with whom a good record,” said Claudia Stein, pure alcohol is drunk content for Soccerex events in 2016. possible. he had WHO Europe’s head of information, per person per year. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 35

CAMEO Corinthians in Twitter deal brazilian football side Corinthians, Neymar signs the most popular club on social Connecting media outside Europe, entered with Gillette into a new partnership with Stade de France twitter. the deal will see the barcelona football star Neymar is Stade de France announced a deal club introduce a number of small the new face of shaving supplies with CommScope that will see ads on their twitter feed. the ads and other personal care products a major upgrade to the French will appear as videos using twitter of Gillette in Latin America. At national stadium’s Wi-Fi Amplify. twitter also has similar agreements in place the unveiling, held at the iconic connectivity. Accordingly, with the likes of the National Football League, major LIFESTYLE Camp Nou, Neymar said, “I’ve CommScope will become League baseball and UEFA Champions League. always liked looking after myself the Official Supplier of and creating new styles. It gives telecommunications and It Badminton bids to me confidence. I feel honoured to Networks. CommScope will also be part of the Gillette team that Audi to buy Red Bull F1 provide approximately 70km of its has historically brought the greats Systimax LazrSpeed multimode from this sport together.” German auto manufacturer Audi is shed staid image widely reported to be considering fibre cabling and around 44km joining Formula One by acquiring of GigaSpeed X10D Category 6A ADmINtON’S bid to make women players the red bull racing team. media cabling to the stadium. wear skirts may have been ill-advised, but reports suggest the deal will be — Courtesy CSM Sport & Entertainment Bthe sport is again seeking a new image to completed in a few weeks though www.csm.com bring in fans and revenue. it would not begin until 2018. @FastTrack_ME Even in China, where badminton has mass participation and world-beating stars, its visibility dims in the glare of more glamorous rivals like basketball, football and tennis. HEALTH New scoring, new advertising and even new shuttlecocks and court colours are being considered as badminton looks to shed its staid When small portion is right image and stand out in the digital age. badminton World Federation’s new commercial DULtS consume more food studies with a combined 6,600 more food and drink when offered division head Owen Leed said the sport needed when it comes in bigger participants that examined how larger-sized portions, packages, cachet if it was to compete. Apackages or is served on the size of things like cereal bowls or tableware than when offered “that’s one of the challenges we’ve — how do larger plates, a review of past and snack bags influences the smaller-sized versions,” said lead we make the sport more glamorous?” Leed said at research has found. number of calories people take in. study author Dr Gareth Hollands, a last week’s Sports matters industry conference in researchers Combined, these brief behavioural health researcher at the Singapore. “that could cross everything from how analysed 58 experiments suggest that smaller University of Cambridge in the UK. we run our events in future to how we present on containers, dishes and cutlery the results, published in the television to how we profile our stars.” might help adults consume Cochrane Database of Systematic up to 16 per cent fewer Reviews, highlight the important calories in the UK and 29 role of environmental influences per cent less in the US. on food consumption and suggest “It provides the most that actions to limit exposure conclusive evidence to larger serving sizes may be OFFBEAT to date that people effective tools for getting people ‘Golden Bolt’ going strong consistently consume eat less, Hollands said. ApANESE centenarian Hidekichi played the Japanese board game Miyazaki set a fresh record as “Go” had passed away, according to WHO says over half of Jthe world’s oldest competitive Guinness World records. sprinter last week, a day after miyazaki, known as ‘Golden bolt’ Europeans are too fat turning 105, but said he was for imitating Jamaican Olympic disappointed at falling short of his gold medallist Usain bolt’s famed UrOpE has the world’s highest evidence, research and own personal best. lightning bolt pose, says he longs rates of drinking and smoking, innovation. “I wanted to shave off a few more for the opportunity to challenge the Eand more than half its people Stein added it could have the seconds as I had registered 36sec fastest man in the world. are too fat, putting them at high most serious impact on young while training,” miyazaki, wearing a Asked the secret of his success, risk of heart disease, cancer and people since their lives bright red t-shirt and running shorts, miyazaki said he exercised daily, ate other deadly illnesses, health may be shortened unless said after completing his heat in in moderation and chewed officials warned recently. something is done to 42.22. his food properly. In a report on health in its reduce consumption of His personal record of 34.10, European region, the World Health tobacco, alcohol and chalked up when he was 103, Organisation (WHO) said that while calories. remains unbeaten for a many countries had reduced risk Under 60 per cent centenarian. factors for premature death, rates of people in the born on September of obesity, tobacco use and alcohol WHO’s European 22, 1910, miyazaki did consumption “remain alarmingly region are either not start running high”. overweight or until he was in his “Europeans drink and smoke obese and 30 per 90s, since many more than anyone else. We’re cent use tobacco. of the friends world champions — and it’s not Some 11 litres of with whom a good record,” said Claudia Stein, pure alcohol is drunk he had WHO Europe’s head of information, per person per year. 36 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 37

CLOSE-UP AFP/Jekesai Njikizana AFP/Jekesai REUTERS/Paulo Whitaker REUTERS/Paulo

ššReal fight! ŢšIn control! ŢšOh, Maria! ššJubilant! brazilian side bauru’s rafael mineiro, left, and Spanish El Jaish’s Yasser Abubaker russia’s maria Sharapova returns to pakistani cricketers celebrate after giants real madrid’s Gustavo Ayon fight for possession controls the ball during their the Czech republic’s barbora Strycova defeating hosts Zimbabwe by during their FIbA Intercontinental Cup second-leg final Qatar Stars League football during the Wuhan Open tennis 15 runs in the second twenty20 in Sao paulo. real won 91-79 and though they had lost match against Al Khor in tournament in China. Sharapova match in Harare. pakistan swept the first match 90-91, they emerged as champions, Doha. the game ended withdrew with a forearm injury while the two-match series, having won having scored more number of points. goalless. leading 7-6 (7-1), 6-7 (4-7), 2-1. the first tie by 13 runs. REUTERS/Peter Cziborra REUTERS/Peter

ššStop sign! romania’s Florin Ionita tackles Ireland’s Darren Cave during their rugby World Cup match in England. Ireland won 44-10.

şšWar cry! Everton’s romelu Lukaku celebrates his first goal against hosts West bromwich Albion during their English premier League football match. Lukaku scored twice in Everton’s 3-2 win.

ŠšShow of strength! Danish side Kif Kolding Copenhagen’s Lukas Karlsson is blocked by German team rhein Neckar Lowen’s Stefan Kneer during their European Champions League REUTERS handball match. REUTERS/Darren StaplesREUTERS/Darren REUTERS/Frank Cilius REUTERS/Frank DSP/Mohan rhein won 30-18. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 37 REUTERS/Peter Cziborra REUTERS/Peter

ššStop sign! romania’s Florin Ionita tackles Ireland’s Darren Cave during their rugby World Cup match in England. Ireland won 44-10.

şšWar cry! Everton’s romelu Lukaku celebrates his first goal against hosts West bromwich Albion during their English premier League football match. Lukaku scored twice in Everton’s 3-2 win.

ŠšShow of strength! Danish side Kif Kolding Copenhagen’s Lukas Karlsson is blocked by German team rhein Neckar Lowen’s Stefan Kneer during their European Champions League handball match. REUTERS/Darren StaplesREUTERS/Darren

rhein won 30-18. Cilius REUTERS/Frank 38 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 39

8 3 2 1 5 6 It is your turn now. tell us about sports events in your neighbourhood, send us photographs too and get them published in DSp. MIND 9 1 SQUARE Our e-mail is [email protected] YOUR PAGE 3 2 9 4 4 7 5 P 11 | FOOTBALL P 28 | BASKETBALL QATARI COLTS bOW OUT QATAR RARING TO GO Qatar suffer a shock defeat at the hands of Tajikistan Qatar look to make an impression at the FIBA 8 5 2 in their crucial qualifier to bow out of reckoning Asia Championship in China even though for the Asian Under-16 Championship finals. things are unlikely to be easy for them. SUDOKU-492 9 3 InterCon tennis under way The Eighth annual InterContinental Doha a good opportunity to players of different 4 udoku is9 a number-placing1 puzzle based on a 8 3 2 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEmbER 23, 2015 | Vol X | No.34 | QR 2.00 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Follow us on Open got under way at the hard courts of nationalities to compete and win exciting 9x9 grid with several given numbers. Khalifa International Tennis Complex last prizes. We’re happy to see that the number the object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in Monday. of participants is increasing after every year,” 1 5 6 LUCK &Lekhwiya startTOIL their Qatar S Stars League title defence the empty squares so that each row, each column and with a laboured and The tournament, an annual feature on the said Tournament Director Sultan Khalfan somewhat lucky win over each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. Qatar Sports Club. PAGES 6-10 Qatar Tennis Federation (QTF) calendar since while addressing a joint Press conference 9 1 2008, has 300 players in the fray competing with InterContinental Doha Executive in 22 categories. Assistant Manager Cyril Mouawad. Solution-491 “This is one of the most important local Redab Massoud sent the details and 3 2 tournaments on the QTF calendar. It provides photographs. 3 7 2 4 1 8 9 6 5 5 6 4 3 7 9 1 8 2 9 4 DSP/Mohammed Dabboos DSP/Mohammed

UK ...... £1 UAE ...... Dh 5 Europe ...... €2 Yemen...... 75 Riyals P 16 | FOCUS ON ASPIRE P 20 | POSTER Oman ...... 200 Baisas Sudan ...... 1 Pound Bahrain ...... 200 Fils KSA ...... 2 Riyals Egypt ...... LE 2 Jordan ...... 500 Fils Changing attitude FRANCESCO Lebanon ...... 3,000 Livre Iraq ...... $1 EXCLUSIVE 8 9 1 5 2 6 7 3 4 Kuwait ...... 250 Fils Palestine ...... $1 Morocco ...... Dh 6 Syria ...... LS 20 INTERVIEW towards fitness TOTTI 1 8 9 6 5 4 2 7 3 4 7 5 4 2 7 9 3 1 8 5 6 8 5 2 Lekhwiya strong enough 6 5 3 2 8 7 4 1 9 to retain QSL title 7 3 6 8 9 2 5 4 1 9 3 Qatar Stars League champions Lekhwiya may’ve 9 4 8 1 6 5 3 2 7 opened their campaign with a laboured win against 2 1 5 7 4 3 6 9 8 4 9 1 Qatar Sports Club (Doha Stadium Plus, September 23), but I think the cops are still the team to beat in the competition. New coach Djamel belmadi didn’t have an ideal start to his second stint at the club as they lost to Al Hilal in the AFC Champions League quarterfinal, but the Algerian knows what it takes to win the league as he has done so with Lekhwiya twice. TOP TWEETS they must continue playing their natural attacking game, which helped them win the competition in the last two editions. Khamis Mohammed Al Marri, Doha.

Football’s world governing body FIFA passed through another difficult week as Swiss authorities questioned Qatari colts disappoint ICSS and Spanish sports 3its president7 Sepp2 Blatter4 and UEFA1 chief8 Michel 9 Platini 6 5 the Qatar Under-16 team’s failure to qualify for the over a ‘disloyal payment’ of $2.06m made to the latter Asian Championship finals in India next year has in 2011. Though both men stated that it related to work 5Platini 6did at FIFA4 as Blatter’s3 advisor,7 which9 finished1 8 2 definitely cast doubts on the effectiveness of the council hold workshop country’s youth-development programme (Doha nine years earlier, both are now understood to be Doha-based International Centre for Sport Security as well as identifying and investigating such Stadium Plus, September 23). under formal investigation by FIFA’s independent ethics (ICSS) and Spain’s sports council Consejo Superior transgressions. 8committee. 9 On1 Tuesday, 5 the ethics2 committee6 banned7 3 4 the team consisted only of ASpIrE Academy boys, de Deportes (CSD) organised a workshop last week Discussions were also held on how to recognise Trinidad and Tobago’s Jack Warner for life for committing who’re trained by experienced European coaches at aimed at strengthening efforts to combat match and correct vulnerable sport governing bodies. ‘many and various acts of misconduct continuously and the academy’s state-of-the-art facilities. they were fixing and corruption in world sport. ICSS chief Mohammed Hanzab said, “This integrity 1repeatedly.’ 8 While9 Twitter6 users 5 reacted 4 angrily 2to recent 7 3 expected to raise their level, but failed to do it when The Madrid workshop brought together seminar was an important platform to gather developments, very few were surprised. Here are some of representatives of professional clubs, federations influential figures from Spanish sport in one room the reactions. it mattered the most. 4 2 7 9 3 1 8 5 6 It seems the boys need to put in a lot more efforts and other institutions from across Spanish sport and discuss how to better recognise, resist and to discuss a number of emerging problems facing respond to corruption issues, both on and off the and show more spirit if they’re to excel. Ben Rumsby Not surprising that Sepp Trevor Kafoteka FIFA is doing WOrK the integrity of sport in the country and around field. Abdulla Mohammed, Doha. @ben_rumsby blatter under “criminal 6@Kafoteka 5 3 2 8today. 7 bans Jack4 Warner 1 9 the world. Meanwhile, the ICSS announced it would again If blatter and platini are investigation”. What is @matthewsyed I once for life, something I Topics discussed at the closed-door forum work with the October 3-December 20 Indian both suspended, Issa surprising is that it took so tweeted you about #platini thought had happened included the growing global trend of sport Super League to safeguard the tournament’s Hayatou not only takes long. #byebyeblatter. 7= #blatter,today3 6 I have8 just 9ages ago.2 5 4 1 China are a class apart results manipulation, role of sport betting and integrity for this season. charge of Fifa, but Angel been vindicated...shame there’s no doubt China are going to dominate the transnational organised crime in match fixing Will Shand sent the details and photographs. maria Villar Llona takes over Jibrin Ibrahim the #FA quickly supported Tim Rohn IttF Asian Championships in pattaya (Doha Stadium at Uefa. @JibrinIbrahim17 9# platini.4 8 1 6 @ tim_5r oehn3 2 7 Plus, September 23). It’s not that they’ve a couple of AS Swiss Attorney General #Warner banned for life. star players in ma Long and Zhang Jike, and they’ll Gary Lineker opens criminal proceedings Eric Krakauer Who is next? #blatter? @GaryLineker against #blatter clear 2@bigsoccerheadNY 1 5 7 4# platini?3 #FIFA.6 9 8 do the trick for them. I’m shocked that the Swiss that the story of #FIFA is Is anyone really surprised China have at least a dozen players who can be prosecutors have opened a massive money without that #platini is involved in Keir Radnedge world-beaters and they still keep producing criminal investigation into accountability. the charges being levied @Keirradnedge top-class talents. Sepp blatter. Shocked that against Sepp #blatter? In the interests of twitter- Maksat Glychmamedov, Doha. it’s taken so long. Estoy Libre #FIFA. balance: blatter, platini, @SepLad Valcke (and whoever else) Mike Greenberg Chickens coming home to Mike Collett Reuters deny all wrongdoing. Vettel, the street king @Espngreeny roost #blatter #platini #FIFA. @footballmc there is not a person on So #FIFA suspend Jack Paul Hayward Sebastian Vettel has reiterated his liking for the planet earth surprised Daz Upton Warner for life Four years @_paulHayward Singapore Formula One circuit by winning at the to hear of criminal @gtipod46 after he walked away from the Fifa scandal has its marina bay Street for the fourth time (Doha Stadium proceedings involving Sepp As soon as platini started football for life of his own own Orwellian vocabulary. Plus, September 23). blatter. #FIFA. complaining about English accord #horsebarndoor. blatter “lays down his He’s still one of the best drivers around, but I think football it was obvious mandate.” platini is alleged Lewis Hamilton will win the championship hands Julie Foudy he was corrupt! #platini James Tyler to have taken a “disloyal @JulieFoudy #blatterout #fifa. @JamestylerESpN payment.” down this year as well. Richard Gonzales, Doha. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 39

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InterCon tennis under way The Eighth annual InterContinental Doha a good opportunity to players of different Open got under way at the hard courts of nationalities to compete and win exciting Khalifa International Tennis Complex last prizes. We’re happy to see that the number Monday. of participants is increasing after every year,” The tournament, an annual feature on the said Tournament Director Sultan Khalfan Qatar Tennis Federation (QTF) calendar since while addressing a joint Press conference 2008, has 300 players in the fray competing with InterContinental Doha Executive in 22 categories. Assistant Manager Cyril Mouawad. “This is one of the most important local Redab Massoud sent the details and tournaments on the QTF calendar. It provides photographs.

ICSS and Spanish sports council hold workshop Doha-based International Centre for Sport Security as well as identifying and investigating such (ICSS) and Spain’s sports council Consejo Superior transgressions. de Deportes (CSD) organised a workshop last week Discussions were also held on how to recognise aimed at strengthening efforts to combat match and correct vulnerable sport governing bodies. fixing and corruption in world sport. ICSS chief Mohammed Hanzab said, “This integrity The Madrid workshop brought together seminar was an important platform to gather representatives of professional clubs, federations influential figures from Spanish sport in one room and other institutions from across Spanish sport and discuss how to better recognise, resist and to discuss a number of emerging problems facing respond to corruption issues, both on and off the the integrity of sport in the country and around field. the world. Meanwhile, the ICSS announced it would again Topics discussed at the closed-door forum work with the October 3-December 20 Indian included the growing global trend of sport Super League to safeguard the tournament’s results manipulation, role of sport betting and integrity for this season. transnational organised crime in match fixing Will Shand sent the details and photographs. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

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