UAE is ideal setting for Sail Grand Prix, says managing director

UAE is ideal setting for Sail Grand Prix, says managing director
Andrew Thompson, Managing Director of SailGP. (Adam Warner/SailGP)
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Updated 27 September 2024
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UAE is ideal setting for Sail Grand Prix, says managing director

UAE is ideal setting for Sail Grand Prix, says managing director
  • Andrew Thompson spoke to Arab News about the importance of the Middle East market and the introduction of SailGP’s first female driver
  • UAE to host the opening and closing races of SailGP’s 5th season, which starts in Dubai on Nov. 23

DUBAI: The UAE is set to play a pivotal role in Sail Grand Prix’s Season 5, which begins in Dubai on Nov. 23 before drawing to a close in Abu Dhabi next year.

Ahead of the new season, Arab News spoke to Andrew Thompson, SailGP’s managing director, who discussed the importance of the Middle East market, the introduction of SailGP’s first female driver, and what fans can expect from the most entertaining race on water.



What was the reason behind choosing Dubai for the season-opening event?

The UAE has become one of the most important global sporting destinations, with multiple high-profile events held consistently across the country and wider Middle East region. For SailGP, it’s imperative that our calendar includes key locations such as Dubai in order to engage as wide a fan base as possible.

Having held events in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi previously, we are aware of the appetite for sailing in the UAE, and the enthusiasm that those in attendance have for our races.

UAE weather in November provides great conditions to host an event and the port of Mina Rashid provides the perfect setup for a tight racecourse for exciting racing.

The UAE will also play an important role in the new season as both the starting and finishing point, and we are delighted about that.

 

Mina Rashid will play host to the event for the third consecutive year. What makes the location so special?

Mina Rashid is the ideal setting for a SailGP event, from the perspective of both competitors and spectators alike. The tight racecourse and very deep water close to the shoreline ensure hugely competitive action with boats coming within touching distance of the stadium, which makes for great viewing for all the fans on the water’s edge.

Our previous two events at Mina Rashid were a huge success, with the closest finish in SailGP history last season, and our athletes have told us they are excited to return. Mina Rashid is also home to the P&O Marina’s Sailing Academy, which is a home for watersports designed to introduce people of all ages to the joy of sailing.

 

How important is the Middle East market for SailGP?

Very important, as evidenced by the fact that the 2024-25 season both starts and finishes in the UAE. Our fan base in the region has grown considerably over the past three seasons and we look forward to continuing growth of the Sail Grand Prix in the region as a long-term established event.

Dubai is the home of both Emirates and P&O Marinas, who along with Dubai Sports Council, are playing a pivotal role in helping us grow the sport across the UAE and engage a brand-new audience. We are now approaching our third Dubai event, and the two previous editions have been a resounding success from the perspective of all involved.

We’re equally delighted to be working closely with Mubadala and Abu Dhabi Sports Council. Their commitment to SailGP is fantastic and we look forward to harnessing a mutually beneficial long-term working relationship.

Our inaugural Abu Dhabi event earlier this year was a fantastic occasion, and we are excited about returning for the 2024-25 season final next year.

 

The upcoming season features the addition of the Mubadala Brazil Team, who have announced the first-ever female (Martine Grael) SailGP driver. How important is that for the evolution of the brand?

It’s hugely significant, and fantastic news. In 2021, SailGP introduced the Women’s Pathway as part of its Better Sport strategy to accelerate inclusion, inspire change, and provide opportunities at the elite level of sailing.

The Spain event in 2021 (Season 2) was a milestone in SailGP’s Women’s Pathway. It was the first time the teams raced with six (or four in light wind configuration) athletes on board, with every team including a female athlete on the F50 for racing.

It will take time to close the gap in experience between women and men; we are proud of being a sport that has women and men competing alongside each other at the highest level in sport.

Martine is a decorated sailor — two-time Olympic gold medal winner — and a fantastic leader. Developments such as appointing her as driver of the Brazilian team are a step in the right direction, but there is still work to do.

What would you say would attract people to come to the SailGP events?

SailGP features fast boats racing close to shore between 11 rival nations in short-form 15-minute races across the weekend. As a spectator in Dubai, you can see the full racecourse from the comfort of your seat while almost being able to reach out and touch the boats as they fly past.

SailGP’s top athletes race identical boats, which fly faster than the wind: high-tech, hydrofoiling F50 catamarans at speeds approaching 100 kph, which is a sight to behold. Our events combine elite-level sporting action and a first-class hospitality and entertainment schedule, and as the season-opener, this is one not to be missed. If you like racing and entertainment by the water, it really is the perfect way to spend an afternoon.


AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez joins Saudi side Al-Hilal

AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez joins Saudi side Al-Hilal
Updated 11 July 2025
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AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez joins Saudi side Al-Hilal

AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez joins Saudi side Al-Hilal
  • The 27-year-old French defender joins Al-Hilal on a three-year deal

Paris: Saudi club Al-Hilal on Thursday signed AC Milan’s French full-back Theo Hernandez on a three-year contract.

The 27-year-old leaves the Serie A side in a deal worth 25 million euros ($29.2 million), Italian media report.

Hernandez has played 38 times for France with two goals, and figured in the last World Cup, including the defeat by Argentina on penalties in the 2022 final in Qatar.

Moving to the Saudi Pro League a year before the next World Cup could be considered a risk for his chances of getting called up again by coach Didier Deschamps.

But he can take encouragement that Deschamps selected N’Golo Kante for Euro 2024 whilst he was playing for another Saudi club, Al-Ittihad.

Theo is the younger brother of Paris Saint-Germain and France defender Lucas Hernandez.


Swiss move through to Euro 2025 quarterfinals with late Xhemaili goal

Swiss move through to Euro 2025 quarterfinals with late Xhemaili goal
Updated 11 July 2025
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Swiss move through to Euro 2025 quarterfinals with late Xhemaili goal

Swiss move through to Euro 2025 quarterfinals with late Xhemaili goal
  • Switzerland, who needed only a draw to advance based on goal difference, finished second in Group A behind Norway to go through to the knockout round for the first time
  • The desolate Finland players collapsed to the pitch in tears at the final whistle, while the Swiss lingered after the game’s end to pose for pictures

GENEVA: Switzerland’s Riola Xhemaili scored a last-gasp goal to salvage a dramatic 1-1 draw with Finland on Thursday that sent the joyous hosts through to the quarterfinals at Euro 2025, and heartbroken Finland home.

Switzerland, who needed only a draw to advance based on goal difference, finished second in Group A behind Norway to go through to the knockout round for the first time, and will face the winners of Group B, which would be world champions Spain as things stand now.

“I think we set ourselves a goal on the pitch, to write history, to go into the knockout stages, which we’ve never done before,” Swiss captain Lia Walti said.

Finland looked to be heading for the knockout round after Natalia Kuikka scored a penalty in the 79th minute, awarded after Viola Calligaris’s foul on Emma Koivisto. Center-back Kuikka calmly slotted home a low shot as Swiss goalkeeper Livia Peng dived the wrong way.

But, roared on by the home crowd, the Swiss kept up the attack in the breathless dying moments and Xhemaili, a second-half substitute, scored in the 92nd minute when Geraldine Reuteler mis-hit her shot on goal and Xhemaili was there to tap it in, blowing the roof off at Stade de Geneve.

“I really have to say that I didn’t think that we’re going home because I really believed in this team, until the last second, and I knew we were going to score,” Xhemaili said.

“I knew that Geraldine Reuteler, she will hit the target, of course, because she’s one of our best players, so I was like, just stay on the right spot in the right moment and wait until the ball is coming and it did.”

The desolate Finland players collapsed to the pitch in tears at the final whistle, while the Swiss lingered after the game’s end to pose for pictures and their famed manager Pia Sundhage wrapped her assistants in huge hugs.

But for most of the nervy night, the game was far from a classic, with desperation showing in both sides with the stakes sky high.

Switzerland started brightly and put Finnish goalkeeper Anna Koivunen to work early with a couple of chances. But momentum shifted midway through the half to quiet the nervous crowd and Peng made a huge save on the goal-line seconds before the break to preserve the draw.

Intensity picked up over the second half and Sundhage threw virtually every attacker on her bench into the game in search of the equalizer, with the Swiss ending the night with 15 shots to Finland’s six.

“I am going to dance tonight,” a smiling Sundhage told SRF.

Kuikka said Switzerland were the better team on the night.

“They came to the game like they wanted to win and it kind of showed,” she said.


Healy wins hilly 6th stage, Van der Poel takes yellow jersey from Pogacar at Tour de France

Healy wins hilly 6th stage, Van der Poel takes yellow jersey from Pogacar at Tour de France
Updated 11 July 2025
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Healy wins hilly 6th stage, Van der Poel takes yellow jersey from Pogacar at Tour de France

Healy wins hilly 6th stage, Van der Poel takes yellow jersey from Pogacar at Tour de France
  • The 24-year-old Healy had won a stage on the Giro d’Italia before, but this was his first victory at cycling’s showcase race
  • The Slovenian star accelerated at the end of the stage but could not quite do enough to stop the yellow jersey going to the 30-year-old Dutchman Van der Poel, who is not considered a race contender

VIRE NORMANDIE, France: Irish rider Ben Healy won a hilly sixth stage of the Tour de France after a long solo breakaway on Thursday and Mathieu van der Poel took back the yellow jersey from defending champion Tadej Pogacar by one second.

The 24-year-old Healy had won a stage on the Giro d’Italia before, but this was his first victory at cycling’s showcase race.

“A stage win in the Tour is just unbelievable, it’s what I’ve worked for,” he said. “I grew up watching the Tour and wishing one day I could just be there. Participating in the Tour is already an achievement and to win a stage is just so so amazing.”

American rider Quinn Simmons finished 2 minutes, 44 seconds behind Healy in second place and Australian Michael Storer was 2:51 back in third spot.

Van der Poel finished eighth, and Pogacar was a little further back in ninth.

Stage 6 took riders over 201.5 kilometers (125 miles) from Bayeux to Vire Normandie, featuring six minor climbs before a sharp uphill finish with a 10 percent gradient.

The Slovenian star accelerated at the end of the stage but could not quite do enough to stop the yellow jersey going to the 30-year-old Dutchman Van der Poel, who is not considered a race contender.

“I would have loved to have a bit more than one second but I’m happy to have it again,” said Van der Poel, who struggled with the heat. “I’ll try my best to recover as good as possible and then we’ll see tomorrow, but first I’m going to enjoy the yellow jersey. I will probably only have it for one day.”

Two-time Tour winner Jonas Vingegaard finished 10th, just behind Pogacar, and is fifth overall.

The route favored allrounders and an experienced-looking eight-rider breakaway, including Stage 2 winner Van der Poel and Giro d’Italia champion Simon Yates, pulled away from the yellow jersey group around three-time Tour winner Pogacar.

Riding through rolling countryside they opened up a four-minute lead with 40 kilometers to go, which is when Healy decided to go for the stage win and pulled away from his rivals, who could not follow.

“Today’s stage really suited me, I had circled this day from the start,” Healy said. “I knew I needed to get away from the group, I think I timed it well and I caught them by surprise a little bit. Then I knew what I had to do: just put my head down.”

Friday’s stage is also hilly

Stage 7 is 197 kilometers long, starting from the port city of Saint-Malo and finishing with a climb up Mûr-de-Bretagne in Britanny’s picturesque Côtes-d’Armor department.

“When you see how Tadej is riding,” Van der Poel said, “if he attacks tomorrow, or Jonas as well, it will be very difficult not only for me but for the whole bunch to follow on this climb.”


Wenger defends Club World Cup amid Klopp criticism

Wenger defends Club World Cup amid Klopp criticism
Updated 11 July 2025
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Wenger defends Club World Cup amid Klopp criticism

Wenger defends Club World Cup amid Klopp criticism
  • Wenger: Everyone is entitled to an opinion, and I don’t share Jurgen Klopp’s view at all. I feel that a Club World Cup, a REAL Club World Cup was needed
  • Wenger also pointed to the unexpectedly high attendance figures as evidence of the competition’s success

NEW YORK: Arsene Wenger has dismissed Jurgen Klopp’s criticism of FIFA’s revamped 32-team Club World Cup, calling the tournament a “fantastic competition” and emphasizing the support it has received from participating teams, players, and managers.

Klopp, the former Liverpool manager, described the expanded summer competition as “the worst idea ever invented” in an interview with German newspaper Die Welt two weeks ago. Wenger, now FIFA’s chief of Global Football Development, countered these remarks on Thursday during a FIFA Technical Study Group (TSG) briefing in New York.

“Everyone is entitled to an opinion, and I don’t share Jurgen Klopp’s view at all,” Wenger told reporters. “I feel that a Club World Cup, a REAL Club World Cup was needed. If you make an inquiry today with all the clubs who were here at this competition, I’m basically sure that we have 100 percent of answers of people who want to do this again. So that’s basically the best answer.”

Wenger also pointed to the unexpectedly high attendance figures as evidence of the competition’s success. “The decisive question is, do the fans like it? Attendance projections were low, but in reality, they were much higher. The answer is there,” he added.

The tournament has provided FIFA with a testing ground ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will take place across North America. Wenger acknowledged that the summer heat in the US posed challenges but said FIFA has learned valuable lessons to address these issues.

“The heat in some games was a problem,” Wenger admitted. “We tried to combat that with cooling breaks and watering the pitches during breaks. We learned a lot on that front.”

He singled out Orlando as one of the venues where pitch conditions proved difficult, though he praised the quality of natural grass pitches overall. Philadelphia’s surface, he said, would serve as a benchmark for future competitions in the US.

Looking ahead, Wenger said FIFA is considering using covered stadiums in cities such as Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Houston to host early matches in next year’s tournaments. He also revealed that FIFA analysts have studied the impact of heat on player performance, finding that temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) affect high-speed running and sprints more than overall distances covered.

“Certainly next year, there will be more roofed stadiums as we have to follow the TV schedule. We are learning to be better equipped to deal with these conditions,” Wenger said.

The inaugural 32-team Club World Cup concludes on Sunday, with Paris St. Germain taking on Chelsea in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.


Tottenham signs forward Mohammed Kudus from West Ham

Tottenham signs forward Mohammed Kudus from West Ham
Updated 11 July 2025
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Tottenham signs forward Mohammed Kudus from West Ham

Tottenham signs forward Mohammed Kudus from West Ham

LONDON: Tottenham completed the signing of Ghana forward Mohammed Kudus from West Ham on Thursday and was reportedly close to adding Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White as well.

Tottenham did not disclose details of the deal for Kudus but British media said it was worth 55 million pounds . The 24-year-old Kudus scored 19 goals in 80 appearances for West Ham during a two-year spell after joining from Ajax.

Tottenham is rebuilding under new coach Thomas Frank and Gibbs-White was reportedly set to have a medical at Tottenham ahead of a proposed 60-million  transfer.

Gibbs-White joined Forest in the summer of 2022 following their promotion to the Premier League and was instrumental in delivering European football to the club for the first time since 1996, with seven goals and eight assists in 34 Premier League games this past season.