LIV Golf announces partnership with HSBC

LIV Golf have announced a new global  partnership with HSBC. (Supplied)
LIV Golf have announced a new global partnership with HSBC. (Supplied)
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Updated 10 July 2025
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LIV Golf announces partnership with HSBC

LIV Golf announces partnership with HSBC
  • Collaboration between Saudi-backed league and new international banking partner will span LIV Golf’s 14-event global season

LONDON/NEW YORK: LIV Golf and HSBC have announced a partnership aimed at growing the game worldwide.

HSBC is LIV Golf’s first partnership with a global financial organization. The multi-year pact will span LIV Golf’s 14-event season, and support two of its 13 teams, starting at LIV Golf Andalucia from July 11 to 13 at Real Club Valderrama.

HSBC will play a role in supporting LIV Golf’s community partnerships strategy that opens up opportunities for the next generation of golfers, as well as financial literacy initiatives.

“HSBC’s track record in supporting and advancing the game of golf is inspiring and admirable, and we are proud to welcome them into LIV Golf’s growing roster of global partners,” said Scott O’Neil, LIV Golf’s CEO.

“HSBC’s global footprint and ongoing presence in professional tournaments align perfectly with our mission to build the game for the next era of players and fans.

“Few sports leagues can claim a truly global reach, making a partnership with HSBC a natural alignment in our pursuit of a shared vision.”

He added: “We appreciate HSBC’s confidence in supporting some of the world’s biggest stars as they introduce and showcase the sport and its opportunities to new audiences worldwide.

“Together, we have an opportunity to engage younger fans, connect through music, culture, and innovation, and inspire the next generation, unlocking meaningful potential for both our brands and the sport we love.”

Barry O’Byrne, HSBC’s CEO of international wealth and premier banking, said: “We are delighted to join forces with LIV Golf and are really excited to see what we can create together.

“HSBC has more than two decades of legacy in the sport and we can’t wait to bring another level of excitement to our clients and sport fans. We are looking forward to working with LIV Golf to continue to attract new audiences to watch and play the game.”

In recognition of LIV Golf’s position as the only global league pioneering team contests, the partnership will include specific support for some of the competing sides.

This includes Crushers GC, captained by Bryson DeChambeau, and Majesticks GC, co-captained by Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Henrik Stenson.

HSBC will also become the presenting partner of LIV Golf’s “9 to Play” segment during every live broadcast, with a potential reach of over 875 million households across more than 120 international markets.

DeChambeau said: “LIV Golf and Crushers GC deliver both the game and golf culture to new generations and markets across the world with a competitive spirit at our core. We are proud to represent HSBC, a brand that shares our belief in access to golf and elite performance on a global stage.”

Westwood commented: “HSBC has been a leader in shaping the global game of golf for decades; this new partnership strengthens our team and reinforces the global momentum behind LIV Golf.”

He added that “together, we’re building something special that resonates far beyond the fairways. It will be an honor to wear the HSBC brand as we represent Majesticks GC around the world.”

HSBC’s support of golf dates back more than two decades and includes some of the most iconic tournaments around the world.

Through this partnership, LIV Golf joins the ranks of contests including The Open, AIG Women’s Open, Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, HSBC Women’s World Championship (Singapore), and CGA-HSBC China Golf Program.


Liverpool’s Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez joins Al-Hilal

Liverpool’s Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez joins Al-Hilal
Updated 10 August 2025
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Liverpool’s Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez joins Al-Hilal

Liverpool’s Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez joins Al-Hilal

Liverpool’s Uruguay forward Darwin Nunez has joined Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal from the Premier League champions on a three-year deal, both clubs said on Saturday.

Financial details of the transfer were not disclosed but British media reported that the Saudi club paid 53 million euros ($61.69 million) plus add-ons that could take the final price tag up to 56.6 million pounds for the 26-year-old.

“Al-Hilal Club Company is pleased to announce the signing of Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez from Liverpool FC on a three-year contract,” Al-Hilal said on their website.

“Nunez has just joined the squad during the current pre-season training camp in Germany,” Al-Hilal added.

Nunez joined Liverpool in June 2022 from Benfica for an initial fee of 75 million euros but struggled for consistency, with 40 goals and 26 assists in 143 games in all competitions.

The striker found himself on the fringes of the first team during Liverpool’s title-winning campaign last season, starting only eight league matches and netting five times.

His departure will help finance Liverpool’s outlay of almost 300 million pounds so far for the 2025-26 season.

They have already signed Germany playmaker Florian Wirtz for a club-record fee of up to 116 million pounds and French forward Hugo Ekitike for 69 million plus add-ons.

Al-Hilal, under former Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi, became the first Asian club to defeat a Premier League side in an official match when they beat Manchester City at the Club World Cup last month.

Inzaghi’s new side are aiming to secure a record-extending 20th league title this season, having finished second in the Saudi Pro League last term. Their other high-profile signing of the transfer window was Theo Hernandez from AC Milan.

 


Mohamed Salah slams UEFA over ‘Palestinian Pele’ tribute

Mohamed Salah slams UEFA over ‘Palestinian Pele’ tribute
Updated 10 August 2025
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Mohamed Salah slams UEFA over ‘Palestinian Pele’ tribute

Mohamed Salah slams UEFA over ‘Palestinian Pele’ tribute
  • European governing body posts short tribute to Suleiman Al-Obeid who was killed in Gaza awaiting aid
  • Egypt, Liverpool forward responds: ‘Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?’

LONDON: Egypt and Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has called out UEFA for omitting the circumstances surrounding the killing in Gaza of a footballer known as the “Palestinian Pele.”

swww a former Palestine national team star, was killed on Wednesday when Israeli forces opened fire on a group of people waiting to access humanitarian aid in southern Gaza, the Palestinian Football Association said.

On Friday, European football’s governing body posted a two-sentence tribute to the midfielder on X that said: “Farewell to Suleiman Al-Obeid, the ‘Palestinian Pele.’ A talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times.”

Salah replied to UEFA’s post on Saturday saying: “Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?”

Al-Obeid played 24 international matches for Palestine, scoring more than 100 goals. The PFA said his long career, which included playing for Khadamat Al-Shati club in Gaza and Al-Amari Youth Center Club in the occupied West Bank, made him one of the brightest stars of Palestinian football.

UEFA’s post sparked a largely angry reaction, with many among the 12,000 comments questioning why the tribute appeared to play down Israel’s role in Al-Obeid’s death.

The BBC’s former “Match of the Day” presenter Gary Lineker shared Salah’s message and said: “We can’t hear you UEFA.”

Salah has made large financial donations toward aid efforts in Gaza, and in 2023 urged world leaders to ensure enough aid could reach the Palestinian territory.

Speaking shortly after Israel began its devastating military campaign, Salah said: “All lives are sacred and must be protected. The massacres need to stop. Families are being torn apart.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Mohamed Salah (@mosalah)

Al-Obeid, who was born in Gaza City, was married and had five children, AFP reported. The midfielder was among the more than 1,300 Palestinians killed near aid distribution points since the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which is backed by the US and Israel, took over aid operations in the territory earlier this year.

Israel’s invasion has killed more than 61,000 people in Gaza, including more than 600 from the sport and scouting sector, the PFA said.

 


Inter Miami F Lionel Messi (leg) ruled out for Sunday

Inter Miami F Lionel Messi (leg) ruled out for Sunday
Updated 09 August 2025
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Inter Miami F Lionel Messi (leg) ruled out for Sunday

Inter Miami F Lionel Messi (leg) ruled out for Sunday
  • Messi sustained the injury during last weekend’s Leagues Cup match against Necaxa
  • “No, Leo will not be available tomorrow,” Mascherano said Saturday, per ESPN

FLORIDA: Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi will not travel for Sunday’s match at Orlando City due to a “minor” muscle injury in his right leg, coach Javier Mascherano said Saturday.

Messi sustained the injury during last weekend’s Leagues Cup match against Necaxa. There is no timeline for the forward’s return.

“No, Leo will not be available tomorrow,” Mascherano said Saturday, per ESPN. “Leo is OK, but obviously it would be crazy to take the risk of taking him to Orlando because of all that is ahead. We are optimistic that he will soon return with us.”

Messi, 38, entered this weekend with 18 goals, tied with Sam Surridge of Nashville SC for the lead in the chase for the Golden Boot. The Argentina native also has nine assists in 18 MLS matches (17 starts) this season.

After visiting Orlando City, the Herons will host Los Angeles FC next Saturday before facing Tigres UANL in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals on Aug. 20 in Fort Lauderdale.


Barcelona say Ter Stegen is back as captain after medical report is sent to Spanish league

Barcelona say Ter Stegen is back as captain after medical report is sent to Spanish league
Updated 09 August 2025
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Barcelona say Ter Stegen is back as captain after medical report is sent to Spanish league

Barcelona say Ter Stegen is back as captain after medical report is sent to Spanish league
  • The announcement came as Ter Stegen talked of how “especially difficult” the past few months have been
  • The disagreement led to the 33-year-old Ter Stegen being stripped of the club’s captaincy on Thursday. But that changed Friday

MADRID: Barcelona say Marc-Andre ter Stegen will return as first-team captain after announcing on Friday that the goalkeeper had authorized the club to send his medical report to the Spanish league.

The announcement came as Ter Stegen talked of how “especially difficult” the past few months have been, and he criticized suggestions he was to blame for Barcelona’s inability to register new players, insisting that his back surgery and recovery timeline were fully approved by the club.

The disagreement led to the 33-year-old Ter Stegen being stripped of the club’s captaincy on Thursday. But that changed Friday.

“The club announces that the player Marc-Andre ter Stegen has signed the authorization necessary for the club to send La Liga the medical report relating to his surgery,” Barcelona said in a statement. “The disciplinary case has been closed and the player is captain of the first team once again with immediate effect.”

The club had opened a disciplinary proceeding against the goalkeeper on Tuesday after discrepancies about the recovery time for the lower back surgery that Ter Stegen successfully underwent last week.

Barcelona needed him to sign the injury report so it could be sent to the Spanish league in order to clear some salary-cap space and allow the club to more easily register other players without breaching financial fair play rules.

“These past few months have been especially difficult for me, both physically and personally,” Ter Stegen said in a statement on social media. “Like any player, after suffering an injury, my only priority has always been to return to the field as soon as possible, motivated solely by the desire to help the team and do what I love most: compete.”

He added that “completely unfounded” things were said about him in recent weeks, so he felt it was “necessary to express my version of events with respect, but also with clarity.”

“The decision to undergo surgery was made after consulting with medical professionals and was fully approved by the club,” he said. “I publicly announced the estimated recovery period, which was given to me by top medical experts and always in coordination with the club.”

Ter Stegen said ahead of the surgery that the recovery time would be about three months. The club did not give an official timetable for the recovery process, saying only that the operation was “successful” and that “his recovery will determine when he can return.”

“At no point could I have thought that my unfortunate situation — having to undergo another operation — was necessary to register other teammates whom I deeply respect and am looking forward to sharing the locker room with for many seasons,” he said. “Any other interpretation seems to me both unfair and inaccurate.”

The club signed Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García in June. Their other goalkeepers are veteran Wojciech Szczęsny and Iñaki Peña.

“Throughout my career, I have always tried to conduct myself with professionalism, respect, and commitment to the crests I’ve represented,” he said. “I have deep affection for FC Barcelona, this city, and its people, who have supported me over so many years. My commitment to these colors remains absolute.”

Ter Stegen missed nearly all of last season because of a ruptured tendon in his knee, and in 2023 he missed about two months because of another back operation. Peña and the 35-year-old Szczęsny started in place of Ter Stegen last season.

Barcelona, the defending Spanish league champion, arrived back in Spain on Tuesday after completing a preseason tour in Asia. They will face Italian club Como in their final preseason match on Sunday in Barcelona. Their league debut is at Mallorca next Saturday.


Man United sign Benjamin Sesko from Leipzig as attacking revamp continues

Man United sign Benjamin Sesko from Leipzig as attacking revamp continues
Updated 09 August 2025
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Man United sign Benjamin Sesko from Leipzig as attacking revamp continues

Man United sign Benjamin Sesko from Leipzig as attacking revamp continues
  • United paid Leipzig a fee that could reach $99m for Sesko, who signed a five-year contract
  • Sesko is the third forward United have signed this offseason after a lack of goals last term

MANCHESTER: Manchester United signed Slovenia forward Benjamin Sesko on Saturday in an attempt to bounce back from their worst season in the Premier League era.

United paid Leipzig a fee that could reach 85 million euros ($99 million) for the 22-year-old Sesko, who signed a five-year contract.

Sesko is the third forward United have signed this offseason after a lack of goals last term saw the 20-time English champion record their lowest finish in the modern era when they placed 15th, just three places above the relegation zone.

His arrival follows the signings of forward Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo as coach Ruben Amorim has prioritized revamping his attack ahead of his first full season in charge.

“The history of Manchester United is obviously very special but what really excites me is the future,” Sesko said in the team’s announcement.

“When we discussed the project,” he added, “it was clear that everything is in place for this team to continue to grow and compete for the biggest trophies again soon.”

Strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee scored just 18 goals between them in all competitions last term as United fell to a club-record 18 losses in the Premier League era and their lowest points total of 42.

Only four teams scored fewer goals than United in the top flight last term — including the three relegated clubs.

Sesko has been compared to former Paris Saint-Germain and United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic because of his height — both are 1.95 meters (6 feet, 5 inches) tall — and flashes of technical skill. He has proved he is capable of scoring spectacular goals, but his statistics for Leipzig have been modest after two years in Germany.

He scored 14 goals in his first season with the club and followed that with 13 last term.

Sesko has six goals in 28 Champions League games for Leipzig and his previous club Salzburg. He’s tallied 16 goals in 41 games for Slovenia.

“Benjamin possesses a rare combination of electrifying pace and the ability to physically dominate defenders, making him one of the most exceptional young talents in world football,” said Jason Wilcox, United’s director of football.

“We have followed Benjamin’s career closely,” he added. “All of our data analysis and research concluded that he has the required qualities and personality to thrive at Manchester United.”

The move for Sesko comes after United’s reported interest in Liam Delap, Viktor Gyokeres and Ollie Watkins.

Sesko is unproven in England, but Cunha and Mbeumo are tried and tested in the Premier League.

Mbeumo scored 20 league goals for Brentford last season, with only Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland netting more. Cunha scored 17 in all competitions and helped Wolves avoid relegation last term.