QMMF to host FIA Qatar International Rally 2021 in January page 15 TUESday, NOVEMBER 24, 2020 ’s head coach Hasegawa wary of Shenhua’s local talent AFC Doha

FC Tokyo head coach Kenta Hasegawa has brushed off sug- gestions his side are favour- ites against an undermanned Shanghai Shenhua FC, saying the Chinese club’s local play- ers will mount a genuine chal- lenge in Tuesday’s 2020 AFC Champions League clash. With imports Gio- vanni Moreno and Kim Shin- wook unlikely to feature, Shenhua will require strong performances from their do- mestic players in the crucial Group F Matchday Three tie, but Hasegawa refuses to take Choi Kang-hee’s injury-hit squad lightly. Speaking ahead of his team’s first AFC Champions League outing in nine months, the To- kyo boss said his side would need to be at their best to retain the unbeaten start to the compe- tition they began in February. “Of course, without the ’s FC Tokyo and China’s Shanghai Shenhua will play at the Education City Stadium at 1pm on Tuesday. ability of these foreign play- ers, maybe (Shanghai) have top level, and we are represent- reduced factors in the team,” Standings Group F ing the J League, so we want to said the former Japanese in- Club P W D l GF GA GD Pts play as normal, as FC Tokyo. ternational. Hyundai FC (KOR) 2 1 1 0 4 2 2 4 We won’t change anything.” “We pay lots of attention in FC Tokyo (JPN) 2 1 1 0 2 1 1 4 While FC Tokyo are set to the AFC Champions League, Shanghai Shenhua FC (CHN) 2 1 0 1 3 4 -1 3 sample their first ever taste where especially Chinese teams Perth Glory (AUS) 2 0 0 2 1 3 -2 0 of club football in West Asia, have very good foreigners, and Choi Kang-hee’s men will em- famous foreign players, but we bark on their third match in also pay attention to the do- of a successful return. Champions League we have Doha in the space of a week FC Tokyo head coach Kenta Hasegawa. mestic players of the Chinese. City Stadium. While Shenhua have al- long distance travel. When we when they take the field on “They are very strong and With four points from ready won and lost in Doha, go to Australia, for example, Tuesday. “For this game we still ro- but most important for this skillful players in their own two matches – one more FC Tokyo have arrived fresh to we have more than 10 hours of A two-time AFC Champi- tate some players, but as the team is for our players to re- right, so I don’t see there is a than Shenhua – two games a centralised tournament for- flying, but we don’t have this ons League-winning boss with head coach and as players, we cover as quickly as possible. big factor of change for the in the next four days against mat which Hasegawa believes in a centralised competition. It , still have to try our best to win “The schedule is here, and game tomorrow.” the Shanghai club will go a can benefit his team. means we feel less stress. Choi confirmed he will make the game,” said Choi. we have to accept it. We lost Despite the respect he long way towards determin- “It’s an unusual situation, “I understand that there has significant personnel changes “We’ve already analysed the last match, and we are holds for his next opponents, ing the 2020 AFC Champi- but it’s the same situation for been a very good effort from the from Saturday’s disappoint- the data and the videos of FC in a difficult situation in this Hasegawa was clearly the ons League destiny of both the other team,” he declared. staff to have this tournament ing 3-1 loss to Ulsan Hyundai, Tokyo. We have to make a group. As a team we just have more optimistic boss ahead of clubs, and the FC Tokyo boss “The good point is that, and we appreciate that. Asian calling on his charges to push strategy which blocks out their to prepare the best we can and Tuesday’s clash at Education appeared quietly confident normally if we’re in the AFC football is developing to the through any fatigue. important attacking players, try to win this game.”

Security standards approved by AFC, FIFA being fulfilled: LOC

China’s Beijing FC will clash with Australia’s Melbourne Victory at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium at 1pm on Tuesday.

Strength in depth key for Beijing FC’s QFA nation with the security com- Doha mittee, which includes all the security authorities in order The Local Organizing Com- Qatari security officials to provide the highest levels Genesio against Melbourne Victory mittee (LOC) of the AFC along with the presence of of security for delegations and Champions League East Zone overseas experts are working teams from participating clubs AFC that we started with a vic- the heavy fixture schedule. We competition,” said Kean. has affirmed that all security in coordination at all places and media professionals from Doha tory, and now against another are fortunate to have everyone “We have psychologically matters related to the tourna- where security is needed the moment of their arrival. strong team, we need to focus available for selection.” turned the bubble situation ment are proceeding following The security detail involves Beijing FC head coach on trying to win. We need to On the other side, Mel- into an opportunity to gel the international standards ap- 24×7. Our standards are looking after players, officials Bruno Genesio is keen for all try to win every game and aim bourne Victory assistant and get to know each other proved by the AFC and FIFA. high. All of this is helping us and delegations from the mo- members of his squad to con- to qualify to the next stage.” coach Steve Kean’s positive at a more human level. And a In a statement on Monday, prepare for the 2022 FIFA ment they land at the Hamad tribute to a successful 2020 “I will make some changes, outlook was amplified by his centralised tournament helps Director of Security for the World Cup. International Airport and then AFC Champions League cam- not all the same XI will play hope that the Australian side us prepare and focus on every LOC of the AFC Champions when they are taken to the paign ahead of their clash all the time. We have to worry can play well and progress to game without having to worry League, East Zone matches, Jassim Al Kaabi, Director, hotels, the match venues and against Melbourne Victory in about the risk of fatigue and the next round. about more travel before each Jassim Al Kaabi pointed out Security, LOC AFC Champions training facilities. Group E on Tuesday. injury. The schedule is tight, “It is early for us in the game and hopefully we can that security work teams were League, East Zone matches Al Kaabi said the event’s The Chinese Super League and we have to be cautious. season, so we are just coming continue and progress in the formed before the start of the security apparatus is working side have a 100% record so far, It is important for us to have together but we are looking competition. competitions, as coordination about the trying circumstances on a template approved by the winning two from two and a everyone on board because of forward to doing well in this “Beijing FC are a strong took place at the highest levels we find ourselves in because of AFC and FIFA. third win in a row could put club coming off the back of to get the tournament in the the COVID-19 pandemic. This Al Kaabi said: “Qatari se- them at arm’s length from a strong season. We are at a best organizational form. represents a challenge, but we curity officials along with the their chasers at the halfway Standings Group E slightly different stage of our Al Kaabi said: “We have are dealing with everything presence of overseas experts point of the group stage. Club P W D l GF GA GD Pts preparation, but we have a previously worked in the AFC appropriately.” are working in coordination “It is always hard to pre- Beijing FC (CHN) 2 2 0 0 3 1 2 6 good feeling that we are assem- Champions League matches The Director of the Secu- at all places where security is dict how opponents will play FC Seoul (KOR) 2 1 0 1 2 2 0 3 bling a good squad with players of the West Zone and we had rity confirmed that the cham- needed 247. Our standards with the current circumstanc- Melbourne Victory (AUS) 2 1 0 1 1 1 0 3 who have stayed here from last great success. We are follow- pionship operations had been are high. All of this is helping es,” said Genesio. Chiangrai United (THA) 2 0 0 2 0 2 -2 0 season and are building some- ing the same formula for suc- merged with the security au- us prepare for the 2022 FIFA “It was important for us thing strong together.” cess. Of course, we are careful thorities in the state in coordi- World Cup.” Sports Tuesday, November 24, 2020 13 orld Cup Qatar 2022 w A W rience ill b FIF ial expe for fans e pec : Eto a s ’o

Inside view of the Khalifa International Stadium – one of the eight state-of-the-art venues for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – during the FIFA Club World Cup 2019 final.

Sc.qa many shops and restaurants. I always feel safe and secure ury of staying in the same place for this World Cup.” also love Banana Island, which in Doha and throughout the throughout the tournament. Eto’o’s time in the Qatar amuel Eto’o believes is a brilliant holiday destination country. These things should “The players will not be so Stars League also allowed him the FIFA World Cup if you want to get away from it offer football fans a level of re- tired because they won’t have to assess the quality of the Qatar 2022™ will of- all,” said Eto’o, a four-time Afri- assurance when they come to to travel to games by plane,” players that will represent the fer many unique and can Player of the Year. Qatar for the World Cup. I be- Eto’o said. host nation in 2022. Qatar will memorableS experiences for fans “I’m sure fans will find lieve they will be able to have a “They will be based in the head into the tournament as when the next edition of foot- many interesting places to visit great time visiting the country same city and have the opti- the champions of Asia – and ball’s showpiece event heads to when they arrive in this mag- and watching the best players mum time to train and prepare. Eto’o believes the Maroons the Middle East and Arab world nificent country in 2022.” in action during the That will be good be- have the quality to shine on a in two years’ time. Eto’o’s initial experiences tournament.” cause they will be fresh- global stage. In an interview with qa- of Qatar were shaped during Having appeared er when they take to the “I expect them to be com- tar2022.qa, the former Came- a brief playing spell with in four World Cups pitch and compete.” petitive because they have roon international – who serves Qatar Sports Club during the for Cameroon, Eto’o is He added: “The built a winning mentality by You always feel safe and secure in Doha and as a Global Ambassador for the 2018-19 season. aware of the logistical players will have the becoming Asian champions,” throughout Qatar. These things should offer football fans a Supreme Committee for Deliv- He believes fans will be challenges that players chance to use the best said Eto’o. “What is important level of reassurance when they come to Qatar for the World ery & Legacy (SC) – highlighted amazed by the friendliness of have faced in previous facilities in the world, now for Qatar is that they take some of his favourite places to the people and the safety of tournaments. With whether it is the spec- advantage of every opportu- Cup. I believe they will be able to have a great time visiting visit in the country. the country. Qatar is consist- Qatar 2022 set to be one of the tacular new stadiums that will nity to play the best national the country and watching the best players in action during “I enjoy visiting lots of dif- ently ranked as one of the safest most compact World Cups ever host matches or the world-class teams in the world and learn the tournament.” ferent places when I’m in Qatar. countries in the world. staged, it will not just be the training facilities. from those experiences. Sometimes, I like to go to the “I like the people in Qatar, fans that will benefit. Players “One thing is for sure, “They have some good Samuel Eto’o Global Ambassador for Super Committee Villaggio Mall and on other oc- they are open and sincere,” will never be more than about what the players will experi- players, including Akram Afif, for Delivery & Legacy is a former Cameroonian footballer casions I enjoy visiting the Ka- said Eto’o. an hour from any of the eight ence in Qatar will be a reward who I rate highly. I wish them tara Cultural Village, which has “I also like the fact you stadiums and will have the lux- for their efforts in qualifying all the best.” regarded as one of the best strikers of his time. Classic curtain-raisers remembered as Qatar 2022 countdown continues e know the date but all-time scorer eight years later, not yet the teams who struck twice to put Germany in Wwill be taking part: control. Wanchope pulled one the Opening Match of the FIFA back to complete a brace of his World Cup Qatar 2022™ takes own, with Torsten Frings sealing place on 21 November 2022 a 4-2 win for the hosts and two in two years’ time. A lot will World Cup records: Germany’s happen before then, starting fourth victory in an opening with the UEFA preliminary draw match and the most goals ever on December 7 , but before in an opening match. it does here’s a look back at some of the most unforgettable The one with the vuvuzelas: World Cup opening matches of South Africa 2010 all time. 11 June 2010, Johannesburg: South Africa 1-1 Mexico The first two: Uruguay 1930 “We’re not contemplating the 13 July 1930, Montevideo: possibility of a draw,” Siphiwe France 4-1 Mexico and USA In two years’ time the opening Tshabalala told FIFA.com on the 3-0 Belgium ceremony of FIFA World Cup eve of the match. “We want to win There was not one opening Qatar 2022 will start and the this game and nothing can stop match at the inaugural World us.” The South Africa midfielder Cup but two. Snow was falling as Qatari players and their first must have thought his words the tournament kicked off on 13 group opponents will walk out had come true when he struck July 1930, with France and USA to a capacity crowd of 60,000 a magnificent opener for Bafana respectively beating Mexico and at Al Bayt Stadium. Bafana on 55 minutes. Amid Belgium. One name stood out on the blaring vuvuzelas, however, this landmark day, that of Lucien Mexico conjured up an equaliser Laurent, the scorer of the first 11 minutes from time, capping an ever goal in World Cup history. unforgettable evening.

The trendsetter: England 1966 The one with the scoring subs: 11 July 1966, London: England Russia 2018 0-0 Uruguay 14 June 2018, Moscow: Russia Prior to 1966, the World Cup An inisde view of the Al Bayt Stadium. 5-0 Saudi Arabia nearly always began with Though Brazil beat Mexico 5-0 several matches played at the in 1970, Brazil v Yugoslavia tered out into a tame 0-0 draw. Diego Maradona. The upset: Korea/Japan 2002 scored to give the new boys a on the first day of action at same time. By way of example, in 1974, and Poland v West 31 May 2002, Seoul: France famous 1-0 win. Switzerland 1954, it was not, Italy 1934 got under way with Germany in 1978) also ending The surprise: Spain 1982 The shock: Italy 1990 0-1 Senegal strictly speaking, an opening no fewer than eight knockout in goalless draws. 13 June 1982, Barcelona: 8 June 1990, Milan, Argentina The question many were asking The goal feast: Germany 2006 match, as Yugoslavia were games kicking off simultane- Argentina 0-1 Belgium 0-1 Cameroon was not if defending champions 9 June 2006, Munich: Germany beating France 1-0 at the same ously. And even when Swit- The damp squib: Germany 1974 After four consecutive goalless For the second time in their France would win against un- 4-2 Costa Rica time. That means that the zerland and Germany started 13 June 1974, Frankfurt: Brazil stalemates, all the indications history, Argentina began a World fancied Senegal but how many For the first time since 1970, biggest victory ever recorded proceedings at France 1938 0-0 Yugoslavia were that the goal curse of the Cup defence with a stumble, they would win by. Like Cam- the host nation got the ball roll- in a World Cup Opening Match with a 1-1 draw after extra time Though it was unseasonably Opening Match would continue this time against Cameroon, eroon 12 years before them, ing. The sun shone and 66,000 came in the most recent one of (the Swiss won 4-2 in a replay cold, wet and windy when the when Argentina met Belgium in who had two men sent off. A the Senegalese were making fans roared their approval as all, when Russia overpowered five days later), it was not billed tenth World Cup began in Frank- 1982. Belgium forward Erwin star-studded Albiceleste line- their debut in the competition. Germany and Costa Rica served Saudi Arabia, thanks in no small as an opening match. England furt, this meeting between the Vandenbergh had other ideas, up, once again spearheaded Though this meeting between up a festival of attacking foot- part to their substitutes. Prior and Uruguay had the honour of defending world champions and however, bringing an end to a by Maradona, fell to a solitary a team packed with stars from ball. Philipp Lahm opened the to Denis Cheryshev and Artem contesting the first such game a technically gifted side with a 422-minute goal drought in the Francois Omam-Biyik goal, as Europe’s top clubs and a group scoring with a superb drive into Dzyuba, who scored three of in 1966 and set an unfortunate reputation for being “the Brazil- World Cup curtain-raiser and the Indomitable Lions recorded of relative unknowns seemed a the top corner. Paulo Wanchope their side’s five goals between trend in the process, with the ians of Europe” promised to giving the Red Devils an unex- one of the biggest shocks in foregone conclusion, it ended equalised for Los Ticos before them, no players had ever come World Cup’s next three open- atone for the miserable weather. pected win over the reigning World Cup history. with another stunning African Miroslav Klose, who would off the bench to score in a world ing matches (Mexico v USSR Sadly, it failed to deliver and pe- world champions, led by one success, as Papa Bouba Diop become the World Cup’s leading finals opener. (Fifa.com) 14 Tuesday, November 24, 2020 Sports AFC Champions League (East) Some spectators to be allowed at sports events in England AFP London

Premier League clubs can look forward to welcoming back spectators in highly limited ’s FC Seoul will play Thailand’s Chiangrai United at the numbers next month for the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium at 4pm on Tuesday. first time since March, following an announcement by the British government on Monday. Fitness to dictate Up to 4,000 people can return to outdoor sports stadi- ums in parts of England clas- FC Seoul’s lineup sified as at low risk from coro- navirus from December 2, the government said, permitting vs Chiangrai United the resumption of attendance at football, rugby and race- AFC Despite the COVID-19 situa- courses among other sports. Doha tion, we are very pleased to be The crowd ceiling will be here. The hotel and stadium set at 4,000 or half the stadium Head coach Lee Won-jun facilities are great and we have capacity, whichever is lower, in is set to pick only those who no worries.” the lowest-risk “tier one” parts are in top physical condition After losing their first two of the country once a stricter for his FC Seoul starting XI matches in the competition lockdown due to the pandemic against Thailand’s Chiangrai with the same 1-0 scoreline to ends, the government said. United in their third game Melbourne Victory and Beijing In “tier two” areas, the lim- of the 2020 AFC Champions FC, Chiangrai United have had it will be 2,000 outdoors, or League on Tuesday. to wait nine months for their half the capacity, it said. The 2013 runners-up got third-ever AFC Champions In the highest “tier three” their campaign off to a win- League match, which is set to regions where COVID-19 re- ning start back in February, take place at Jassim bin Ham- mains acute, no spectators will defeating Melbourne Victory ad Stadium in Doha instead of be allowed. 1-0, but another Park Chu- the Seoul World Cup Stadium. A few pilot events have young goal was not enough “We are really happy to be been held with spectators, The crowd ceiling will be set at 4,000 or half the stadium capacity, whichever is lower, in the lowest-risk “tier one” parts of the country once a stricter on Saturday as they lost 2-1 to in this tournament and grateful such as a cricket match at The lockdown due to the pandemic ends, the British government has said. Beijing FC to drop to second in for the organisation,” said head Oval, while Brighton hosted Group E. coach Alongkorn Thongaum. Chelsea before this season’s of England will sit in which ‘Costs through the roof’ have over 50 percent of what The cap for indoor events “We have prepared well for “We hope to do our best Premier League got underway. tier on Thursday, based on the Although football clubs would be their capacity (Mans- in tier one and two regions the competition and players are in this tournament, not only However, England’s foot- latest weekly Covid data. will welcome the chance to field’s is just over 9,000),” he will be fixed at 1,000, the in a good condition,” said Lee. for our team, but also as rep- ball and rugby leagues, and Prior to the current lock- once again play in front of told AFP last month. government said. There was “We have one win and one resentatives of Thailand in the horse racing venues, have down, most of the country in- spectators, many may find the “Even if we had the season- also good news for grassroots loss so far. We have an ambi- AFC Champions League. not welcomed spectators cluding London was in tier two. restricted numbers economi- ticket holders, who number sports such as children’s foot- tion and objective to win the “All games in this competi- since the first lockdown be- But three of the biggest cally unviable. 1,600, socially distanced, the ball outside school which will matches ahead, we will strive tion are difficult, but now the gan in March. Premier League clubs – Liv- Lower league clubs are stewarding and policing costs be able to resume after being to win the next one. We fin- most important day for us is Rugby and racing were erpool, Manchester United already struggling and await- would go through the roof. shut down on November 5. ished analysing our opponents tomorrow when we play FC among the sports to receive and Manchester City – are lo- ing a long-promised rescue The Football Supporters’ Former Wales midfielder and we will choose the players Seoul. We want to get some financial aid from the govern- cated in the highest tier three package from the lucrative Association welcomed the Robbie Savage, who has spo- who are in the best condition points from these two matches ment last week. areas, so it remains to be seen Premier League. announcement. ken about the detrimental im- to start the game. against them so we can still Sports facing financial whether they will be allowed to However, David Sharpe, “Clubs, leagues and the pact of suspending grassroots “I visited Qatar as a player have a chance of qualifying to losses as a result of the ab- admit fans after December 2. CEO of fourth-tier Mansfield Sports Ground Safety Author- sport, welcomed the news. in 1997, but now that I came the next round by the time we sence of fans from stadiums The government said that Town, highlighted the costs ity have worked hard to put in “Well done (Culture Secre- again everything has changed. reach the last two games.” can access a £300 million where spectators are allowed, compared to the benefit of procedures to make stadiums tary) Oliver (Dowden), thank ‘Winter Survival Package’ of only home fans will be permit- having limited spectators safe places and we hope this is you from thousands of kids loans and grants. ted, to prevent unnecessary back. the first step on the road back around the country and sorry The government said it travel on public transport by “I am very much of the opin- to normality,” they said in a for constantly tweeting you,” would spell out which regions opposing fans. ion clubs should be allowed to statement. he wrote on Twitter. Wood ends Burnley’s wait for first win of the season AFP of the relegation zone at the But Wood ended that London expense of Fulham. four-game goalless run in the Palace were missing Ivory eighth minute when he fired Burnley won for the first Coast forward Wilfried Zaha home from Jay Rodriguez’s time in the Premier League after he tested positive for the flickafter a poor headed clear- this season as Chris Wood coronavirus. ance from Cheikhou Kouyate. sealed a 1-0 victory against It was the first league game Burnley were unbeaten in Perth Glory players during a warm-up session in Doha. (AFP) Crystal Palace on Monday. Zaha had missed since Febru- their previous 14 home league Sean Dyche’s side had failed ary 2019 and Roy Hodgson’s games when they scored the to win any of their first seven side lacked a cutting edge with- first goal. Playing with more Perth Glory youngsters games in the joint worst start out him as they slumped to a confidence thanks to Wood’s to a season in the club’s history. second defeat in three games. opener, they threatened again ready to embrace ‘fantastic’ The Clarets were the only Palace had a shot on target through Dwight McNeil’s 20- Premier League team yet to within 90 seconds when Nath- yard drive. score a home goal this term aniel Clyne’s long-range rocket Palace went close to equal- Ulsan Hyundai challenge until New Zealand striker was tipped over by Nick Pope. ising when Jordan Ayew Wood put them ahead in the Burnley had managed just worked space to draw a good AFC “It’s a young squad, and first half against Palace. three league goals this season stop from Pope, who had to DohA very motivated,” he said. That was enough to clinch and hadn’t scored since Octo- make another excellent save to Burnley’s New Zealand striker Chris Wood celebrates after scoring in “Together, they are get- a much-needed three points ber 3 when Ashley Westwood keep out Andros Townsend’s the English Premier League match against Crystal Palace at Turf Moor Perth Glory may be staring ting along very well and form- for Burnley, who climbed out netted in a defeat at Newcastle. curling effort. in Burnley, England, on Monday. (AFP) down the barrel of 2020 AFC ing a fantastic group, and for Champions League elimina- them it’s a fantastic challenge tion, but their players remain to have. They are very excited in a buoyant mood ahead of every day and every hour in Tuesday’s clash at the Educa- this hub. They’re making the FIFA hands African football chief Ahmad Ahmad 5-yr ban tion City Stadium at 4pm on most out of it.” Tuesday, against Korea Repub- Perth’s next generation AFP puts Mr. Ahmad Ahmad in a lenged by Augustin Senghor, lic’s Ulsan Hyundai, according will have to be at their best Lausanne position of no longer being able the president of the Senega- to head coach Cristian Ola. against the runners- to exercise his responsibilities”. lese Football Federation. Without a point from their up, with Ola confirming his Ahmad Ahmad’s reign as the Congolese official Omari Mauritania’s Ahmed Yahya, opening two matches, and still side’s selection options had head of African football looked became Ahmad’s number two Ivory Coast’s Jacques Anouma without the services of a num- scarcely improved since their to be over on Monday after in July 2019 following the and South African billionaire ber of senior players, Perth last hit-out. FIFA hit him with a five-year sacking of Amaju Pinnick, also Patrice Motsepe have also could be forgiven for feeling Goalkeeper Liam Reddy, suspension for corruption. head of the Nigerian Football thrown their hats in the ring. pessimistic about their four re- midfield general Neil Kilkenny Ahmad, from Madagascar, Federation. Omari is president Last month, former CAF maining Group F fixtures, but and newly signed defender Dar- has been president of the Con- of the Congolese Football Fed- senior vice-president Kwesi Ola, who is part of the tech- yl Lachman are all ruled out ac- federation of African Football eration and a member of the Nyantakyi had his lifetime nical staff led by former Soc- cording to the club, while veter- (CAF) since March 2017 but FIFA Council. ban from football for breaking ceroo Richard Garcia, believes an striker Andy Keogh couldn’t his announced bid for re-elec- In April 2019, Ahmad was FIFA bribery and corruption the opposite is true. be included in the squad due to tion in 2021 is now in doubt accused of a series of offences rules reduced to 15 years. Perth fielded a legion of foreign player limits. after FIFA banned him for by former CAF official Amr Nyantakyi quit his posi- new faces in last Wednesday’s In Perth’s favour is the six- “governance issues”. Fahmy, who informed FIFA in tions as Ahmad’s number two 2-1 defeat to Shanghai Shen- day break they have enjoyed In their statement, FIFA Malagasy Ahmad Ahmad, President of the Confederation of African a letter that Ahmad had paid and president of Ghana’s foot- hua, with teenagers like Bryce since their last match, with Ul- said Ahmad had “breached his Football. (AFP) bribes to directors, made per- ball association two years ago Bafford and 16-year-old Josh- san back in action just 72 hours duty of loyalty, offered gifts sonal use of CAF funds and after being secretly filmed ac- ua Rawlins receiving their after their impressive 3-1 win and other benefits, misman- equipment company. ing elected the head of CAF, sexually harassed a number of cepting a $65,000 bribe from first senior starts for the club over Shanghai Shenhua. aged funds and abused his po- The 60-year-old, who last had denied the accusations. employees. journalists posing as business- in a match which could have With four points from two sition as the CAF President”. week stood down from his In response to his ban, Two months later he was men who wanted to invest in gone either way. matches, Ulsan can put them- Ahmad was also fined post for 20 days after test- CAF announced on Monday arrested in Paris while at the Ghanaian football. Asked how his young selves to within touching dis- 200,000 Swiss francs ing positive for coronavirus, that Constant Omari’s posi- FIFA Congress ahead of that The official also agreed to a charges were adapting to life tance of the Round of 16 with ($220,000) by FIFA for the can appeal the ban “from all tion as interim head of the year’s women’s World Cup as fictional sponsorship deal cre- in the AFC Champions League, another three points, while misdeeds, which related to football-related activity” at the body would be extended, with- part of a probe into corrup- ated by the reporters, which Ola revealed his players were Perth are reaching must-win “the organisation and financ- Court of Arbitration for Sport out specifying for how long. tion, but was released a day they told Nyantakyi would thriving under the responsibil- territory if their maiden AFC ing of an Umrah pilgrimage to (CAS). CAF said in a statement later without charge. have funnelled millions of dol- ity thrust upon them in Asia’s Champions League campaign is Mecca” and his involvement in Ahmad, who was made a that the decision was made fol- Ahmad’s bid to remain lars designed for Ghanaian premier competition. to last beyond the group stage. CAF’s dealings with a sports FIFA vice-president after be- lowing FIFA’s ruling, “which head of CAF was being chal- football to a company he runs. Sports Tuesday, November 24, 2020 15 QMMF to host FIA Qatar International Rally 2021 in January

Qatar’s champion driver Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah, who recently clinched his 16th Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) title in November, with French navigator Mathieu Baumel.

Tribune News Network for the Qatar International Rally 2021 In 2019 he grabbed a record-ex- Doha and we are constantly looking for new tending sixth victory, sealing his 15th and exciting ways to improve our com- title win in a Volkswagen Polo GTI R5. The Qatar International Rally 2021 will petitors and spectators value and satis- The Qatari and his French co- be held from January 28 to 30, it was faction amidst the pandemic issues we driver Mathieu Baumel have shown announced. are currently facing,” the QMMF added. indisputable domination in recent years cancelled in November, the two rallying The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Held since 1984, MERC opens up an winning titles around the world. stars were declared winners of the MERC Federation (QMMF) said, “Qatar Motor exceptional playground for rally drivers The 2020 season was a start-stop 2020 edition. and Motorcycle Federation is proud to and teams on a varied terrain featuring affair with rallies – in Oman and Cy- announce the hosting of the First Round sand deserts and overheated tarmac. prus – getting completed whereas rac- The following MERC titles are awarded of FIA Middle East Rally Championship Rallying icon Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah es in Qatar and Jordan were cancelled every year: 2021 which will take place on 28th – 3oth of Qatar has featured in the FIA Middle because of the COVID-19 pandemic FIA Middle East Rally Championship January 2021.” East Rally Championship since 2003 sweeping the globe since mid-February for Drivers and Co-Drivers The three-day event will kick start and equalled Mohammed bin Sulayem’s this year. FIA MERC 2 for Drivers and Co-Drivers the FIA Middle East Rally Championship record of 14 title wins in 2018 when he Al Attiyah and Baumel won races in FIA MERC 3 for Drivers and Co-Drivers (MERC) for the year 2021. placed his Ford Fiesta R5 on the top spot Oman (Feb 6-8) and Cyprus (Oct 16- FIA MERC Junior Championship for “QMMF are now starting to prepare of the leaderboard. 18) and when the Lebanon event got Drivers Under 26.

ATP champion Medvedev leads next generation pushing the ‘big three’

okay, no more tennis for Daniil Medvedev’s victory over Dominic 2020,” Medvedev said. Thiem at the ATP Finals could signpost “I remember two weeks be- fore US Open nobody was sure, a new era in men’s tennis where the ‘big and everybody was talking that they are gonna cancel it. three’ of Nadal, Djokovic and Federer “We know that Australia is South Africa paceman not a sure thing in January, so I Kagiso Rabada. are challenged for major titles in 2021. think it should be remembered for this end of the year, which DPA curtailed by knee surgery, have was amazing even without the London dominated men’s tennis with 57 crowd for tennis as a sport.” major titles since 2003 and only There is some uncertainty Rabada reveals A new champion was crowned recently had Thiem broken that still hanging in the balance for in silence as the 2020 tennis trend with his maiden major at 2021 as currently no players season stumbled across the fin- the US Open. will be allowed into Australia ‘bizarre’ S African ish line in London when Rus- A new rivalry seems to be before January 1 with a two- sian Daniil Medvedev lifted the emerging between Medvedev week quarantine rule that puts ATP Finals title on Sunday that and Thiem, who prevailed the Australian Open’s January training regime signalled a passing of the torch in the New York semi-finals 18 start date in doubt. between legends and youth. against Medvedev, who says Despite defeat, it has been AFP The 24-year-old Medvedev this ground-breaking era a successful end to the year for Cape Town bested Austria’s Dominic Thi- could push and challenge “the Thiem, who reached two out of em 4-6, 7-6 (7-2), 6-4 to finish big three.” three Grand Slam finals at the Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada We have to train in groups a tennis calendar that had been “Hopefully we can be there Australian and US Opens and revealed on Monday that the — a group of non-contacts disrupted by the coronavirus for a long time, maybe let’s say collected his biggest win in a South African cricket team are pandemic, which meant no fans pushing the other generations Russia’s Daniil Medvedev poses with the winner’s trophy after his 4-6, five-set epic against German training in two groups to mini- and a group of close were present at the O2 Arena back, because that’s how we 7-6, 6-4 win over Austria’s Dominic Thiem in the men’s singles final of Alexander Zverev in the New mise the risk of further COV- contacts. It doesn’t mean for his defining moment. can be close to the top three,” the ATP World Tour Finals at the O2 Arena in London on Sunday. (AFP) York final. ID-19 infections ahead of their anyone is positive but we Medvedev’s triumph was said Medvedev, who is ranked “I have reached one of my series against England. have to take that extra significant because in an un- fourth behind Thiem. Andy Murray to have at least to maybe continue their story.” big lifetime goals with win- Two members of the South precaution. beaten run to the trophy, he “What is definitely good five wins against Djokovic, The players remain thank- ning that Grand Slam. So African squad have tested pos- had claimed a feat that no other from us, from Dominic, from Federer and Nadal. ful that they got to compete and even though it’s a tough year, itive for Covid since the squad Kagiso Rabada had done before in defeating the me, especially if we talk just “I think it’s super impor- earn prize money in the corona- it will always have a special assembled last week and two world’s top three players. about this tournament, we tant for the sport,” said Thiem virus year that looked like it was place in my heart this year,” other players had to go into He started at the top by dis- managed both to beat Rafa when asked how beating the over in March when the season Thiem reflected. isolation because of their close cent Indian Premier League in mantling Novak Djokovic in the and Novak, which is amazing big three will improve the was suspended, Wimbledon “I hope that this pandemic contact with one of the infect- the United Arab Emirates. group stage before conquering accomplishment. We are defi- popularity of tennis. was cancelled for the first time is gonna come to an end very ed players. There were no crowds at Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals nitely going to push each other “There is going to be a time since World War II and the usu- soon, that people can start to “It’s been quite bizarre,” the IPL and there will again and besting third-ranked Thi- through all our careers.” when they are not around any ally May-June French Open fin- work again, can have a nor- Rabada told an online press be no spectators at the three em in the final. As well as picking up his more. ished in October. mal life again, and I hope that conference from the team ho- T20 internationals and three Djokovic, Nadal and Roger 300th career win, Thiem be- That’s our challenge to keep “I think at one point of it’s coming to an end as soon tel in Cape Town. one-day internationals against Federer, who had his season came the second player since all those people with tennis and the year we actually thought, as possible.” “We have to train in groups England. — a group of non-contacts and Rabada said the lack of a group of close contacts. crowds had not affected the “It doesn’t mean anyone standard of cricket in the IPL. is positive but we have to take “The competitiveness was Al Ahli, Al Sadd score wins in Qatar volleyball men’s league that extra precaution.” second to none,” he said. Rabada did not reveal “The crowd gives that extra While Al Ahli scored how many players were in bit of adrenalin and that extra each group but planned intra- bit of drama and theatre. a 3-0 (25-21, squad matches on Saturday “There’s definitely an ele- and Monday were cancelled, ment missing but at the end 25-18, 25-16) win presumably to reduce the risk of the day we are competitive over Al Gharafa in of infections. cricketers who want to com- He said more Covid tests pete, to test your skill level. I the first round of would be conducted with the think it will be much the same the Qatar Volleyball players “soon”. in this series.” Despite the unusual train- Rabada said living in the Association’s (QVA) ing arrangements, Rabada bubble was tough but added a Senior Men’s League, said “training is going smooth- note of realism. ly” ahead of the first Twenty20 “It’s like luxury prisons Al Sadd blanked Al international against England that you are in but at the end at Newlands on Friday. of the day you have to remind Shamal by identical “The team is doing well at yourself that you are fortu- margin winning sticking to strict rules.” nate,” he said. Rabada is undergoing his “People have lost their jobs 26-24, 25-11, 25-23 second “bio-bubble” experi- and people are struggling. at the QVA Hall ence in a short period of time “I try to remind myself that Al Sadd’s Kanote Mamadou goes for a smash as Al after starring for the Delhi we must be grateful for the op- on Monday. Shamal defenders try to block during their match at Al Ahli’s Danilov Roman makes a smash against Al Gharafa during during their Capitals, and becoming the portunity to earn some money the QVA Hall on Monday. match at the QVA Hall. leading wicket-taker, in the re- and do what we love.”