UAE Pro League preview: Wasl march on, Iniesta strike not enough to save Emirates

Siaka Sidibe's goal sealed a 3-0 win for leaders Al-Wasl against Khor Fakkan (X/@AlWaslSC)
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Updated 31 March 2024
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UAE Pro League preview: Wasl march on, Iniesta strike not enough to save Emirates

  • Fourth-placed Al-Wahda and third-placed Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai Club share stoppage time goals in an unforgettable 3-3 draw

DUBAI: Spain legend Andres Iniesta’s strike was not enough to quiet deafening alarm bells at relegation-threatened Emirates Club, results strengthened Al-Wasl’s grip on the title and Morocco striker Walid Azaro hit a “super hat-trick”’ for an appreciative Ajman during ADNOC Pro League’s consequential matchweek 17.

An early Iniesta tap-in upon Thursday’s restart after the international break boosted second-bottom Falcons’ hopes of consecutive wins, but this was soon shattered by Baniyas’ come-from-behind, 2-1 win. Hatta remained bottom when ex-Portugal youth forward Iuri Medeiros struck in a 1-0 victory for swiftly improving Al-Nasr, pushing them sixth.

Fourth-placed Al-Wahda and third-placed Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai Club shared goals past the 90-minute mark in an unforgettable 3-3 stalemate in the capital, which does little for either club’s shrinking title aspirations. A 1-1 draw between second-placed AFC Champions League semi-finalists Al-Ain and Sharjah also had the same effect.

These slips were welcomed by relentless leaders Al-Wasl, for whom second-half goals from Fabio De Lima, Nicolas Gimenez and Siaka Sidibe in their 3-0 triumph versus Khor Fakkan earned a 10-point buffer.

Morocco center forward Azaro, meanwhile, sensationally netted all four goals at 10-man Ittihad Kalba, securing a 4-2 victory, which moved them nine points from danger. Mirel Radoi and Al-Jazira suffered a 3-2 defeat late on at the manager’s former employers Al-Bataeh.

Here are Arab News’ top picks and a talking point from the latest action.

Player of the week: Walid Azaro (Ajman)

A high watermark, for club and player, this term.

Azaro was unstoppable during a rollercoaster contest on the east coast. His domineering talents fit perfectly with the brutal game plan applied by Daniel Isaila.

Ajman sought destruction and distraction whenever they received possession. That all four of the bullish center forward’s goals came from crosses — three headers, one devastating low finish — spoke volumes.

Kalba’s defenders had no answer. A parlous situation accentuated by Abdulaziz Al-Hamhami’s dismissal prior to the hour mark.

Within a season of struggle in the wake of last term’s club-record sixth-placed finish, Azaro can feel individually content. That is now nine top-flight goals for the campaign.

Only competition icons (De Lima, 10 goals; Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba, Omar Khrbin, 11 goals) sit ahead of him. Ajman’s next-highest scorer (Ali Madan) has four.

Without their Moroccan hit man, the 11th-placed outfit would be in the relegation mire.

Goal of the week: Ismail Matar (Al-Wahda)

It takes a special player to influence matches into their fifth decade.

This is exactly what the timeless Ismail Matar managed in Friday evening’s epic match between Al-Wahda and Shabab Al-Ahli.

Passes within the tightest of confines, central and 30 yards from goal, were exchanged with impactful Iran midfielder Ahmad Nourollahi. The pair’s beguiling play was followed by the cleanest of drives from one of UAE football’s great technicians.

With zero back lift, the ball just flew past stand-in goalkeeper Adel Fadaq, appearing to pick up pace as it went.

Matar, 40, has looked a natural since making his Maroon debut back in 2001 and being named FIFA U-20 World Cup Player of the Tournament in 2003.

Fast forward more than two decades and there are precious few performers able to deliver such elevated moments.

Coach of the week: Cosmin Olaroiu (Sharjah)

It is never simple when Cosmin Olaroiu returns to the Garden City.

The manager who endured the most acrimonious of splits in 2013 found himself back at Al-Ain amid a run of one victory in six ADNOC Pro League runouts. Not good enough for a team of Sharjah’s strengths and resources, plus Olaroiu’s peerless reputation.

The King showed character to swiftly respond at this season’s AFC Champions League semifinalists to Laba’s opener via fitful Tunisia playmaker Firas Ben Larbi. So, too, Olaroiu who started with Bosnia and Herzegovina superstar Miralem Pjanic on the bench.

It is still only one win, one defeat and five draws in seven for the fifth-placed side, but this one felt more fulfilling.

Changing face of UAE football

A quick scan of March’s international break sees an expected pair of victories against minnows Yemen send the UAE into the third round of 2026 World Cup qualifying, with two games to spare.

So far, so normal.

Something seismic, however, happened in the 74th minute of Tuesday’s 3-0 triumph. It saw manager Paulo Bento hand a debut to naturalized Ajman midfielder Isam Faiz and herald the beginning of a new era.

The Morocco-born battler became the first resident player eligible to represent the UAE, since the revolutionary scheme’s domestic launch in 2019.

This continuing program has witnessed promising U-23 players recruited from across the globe who become eligible for Emirati citizenship after three years of residence and to play for the national team via FIFA rules after five years.

Faiz is the first. Many more should become available throughout the grueling third round from September.

These include Al-Ain’s exceptional 23-year-old center-back Kouame Autonne, reputed to have repeatedly rejected overtures from Africa Cup of Nations holders Ivory Coast. Outstanding club-mate Erik, electric Shabab Al-Ahli forward Igor Jesus, refined Nasr center-back Glauber and his former Botafogo academy teammate Lucas Pimenta — now of Wahda — are nearing the end of their waits.

This is in addition to the concurrent possibility for senior stars to become eligible. Wasl’s lead assist maker Nicolas Gimenez and Shabab Al-Ahli stalwart Federico Cartabia could be among those to follow in the footsteps of De Lima, Caio Canedo and Sebastian Tagliabue.

Something different is required to propel the UAE back to the World Cup, for just the second time. The squad, which underwhelmed under Bento at the Asian Cup, is set for the kind of upheaval capable of enacting change.


UEFA apologizes after running out of medals during Europa League final ceremony

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UEFA apologizes after running out of medals during Europa League final ceremony

  • Spurs captain Son Heung-min and two other players, the last to line up for individual medals, were left empty-handed
  • Tottenham Hotspur beat Manchester United 1-0 to win the club’s fourth European title on Wednesday
UEFA has apologized for running out of winners medals during the Europa League final trophy ceremony on Wednesday after more Tottenham Hotspur players than expected lined up to receive their individual prizes.
Spurs captain Son Heung-min and two other players, the last to line up for individual medals, were left empty-handed after their team beat Manchester United 1-0 to win the club’s fourth European title on Wednesday.
Son lifted the trophy without a medal around his neck.
“To our great displeasure, we did not have enough medals available on stage during the trophy ceremony presentation due to an unexpected discrepancy in the player count ...” British media quoted European soccer’s governing body as saying on Thursday.
“More team members – including injured players – participated in the ceremony than initially anticipated.
“The missing medals were promptly delivered to the winning team in the dressing room, along with our sincerest apologies for the oversight.”

Gilgeous-Alexander leads Thunder to 2-0 lead over Minnesota

Updated 23 May 2025
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Gilgeous-Alexander leads Thunder to 2-0 lead over Minnesota

  • Gilgeous-Alexander was presented with his MVP award on court before the game but any suggestions that the celebrations would distract from the task at hand quickly evaporated
  • OKC head to Minnesota on the back of their 60th win by double figures this season and in buoyant mood

WASHINGTON: Newly crowned NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to an imposing 118-103 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves to open up a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference Finals on Thursday.

Gilgeous-Alexander was presented with his MVP award on court before the game but any suggestions that the celebrations would distract from the task at hand quickly evaporated.

Roared on by a loud and passionate home crowd, the Canadian top-scored for the Thunder with 38 points and added eight assists and three rebounds.

OKC head to Minnesota on the back of their 60th win by double figures this season and in buoyant mood.

The Timberwolves will take some encouragement from a strong showing from Anthony Edwards, who after disappointing in Game 1, posted 32 points with six assists and nine rebounds.

But if they are to fight their way back into this series they will need to tighten up their defense, improve on 41.4 percent field-goal shooting and get more out of Julius Randle who was restricted to six points.

After a tight first half, the game was won by a blistering third quarter from the Thunder, who outscored Minnesota by 14 points.

A Chet Holmgren alley-oop dunk with 2:54 left in the quarter opened up a 17-point 82-65 lead.

Although the Timberwolves were able to reduce the deficit to 10 points in the fourth, the outcome was never in real doubt.

Jalen Williams had 26 points and 10 rebounds and Holmgren added 22 points for the Thunder.

Gilgeous-Alexander said the team’s ability to go on strong runs had its roots in their strong defense.

“It feels good. It starts with getting stops though, it always does. We get stops, we’re able to play fast, play to our strengths, play in the open court, be special,” he said.


Anti-doping bodies condemn ‘dangerous’ drug-fueled Enhanced Games

Updated 23 May 2025
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Anti-doping bodies condemn ‘dangerous’ drug-fueled Enhanced Games

  • The Enhanced Games will be staged in Las Vegas in May 2026, with athletes participating in three sports — athletics, swimming and weightlifting
  • Aron D’Souza, the Australian entrepreneur who is the founder of the event, says the Enhanced Games are an exercise in testing the boundaries of human performance

LOS ANGELES: Anti-doping bodies on Thursday condemned plans for the first edition of the Enhanced Games in Las Vegas, an Olympics-style event where athletes will be free to use performance-enhancing drugs.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and bodies across the world have taken aim at the event after organizers revealed the date, venue and format for the competition.

The Enhanced Games will be staged in Las Vegas in May 2026, with athletes participating in three sports — athletics, swimming and weightlifting.

Athletes will be allowed to use drugs which are banned across international sport such as steroids and human growth hormones, with winners of each event receiving $250,000, and a bonus of $1 million for anyone who breaks a world record.

Aron D’Souza, the Australian entrepreneur who is the founder of the event, says the Enhanced Games are an exercise in testing the boundaries of human performance.

“The Enhanced Games is renovating the Olympic model for the 21st century,” D’Souza said on Wednesday as details of the games were revealed.

“We are here to move humanity forward,” D’Souza said. “The old rules didn’t just hold back athletes, they held back humanity.

“We are not just organizing competition, we are in the business of unlocking human potential. We are the vanguard of super-humanity.”

The Enhanced Games will take place from May 21-24 at the Resorts World hotel in Las Vegas.

Swimming will hold 100m and 50m freestyle events, along with 100m and 50m butterfly.

Athletics events include the 100m and 100m and 110m hurdles. Weightlifters will compete in the snatch and clean & jerk disciplines.

WADA, the global anti-doping watchdog, on Thursday condemned plans for the event as “dangerous,” voicing concern it could lead athletes around the world to dabble in illicit substances with potentially deadly consequences

“WADA condemns the Enhanced Games as a dangerous and irresponsible concept,” the agency said in a statement. “The health and well-being of athletes is WADA’s No. 1 priority.

“Clearly this event would jeopardize that as it seeks to promote the use of powerful substances and methods by athletes for the purposes of entertainment and marketing.

“There have been many examples of athletes suffering serious long-term side-effects from their use of prohibited substances and methods. Some have died.”

Travis Tygart, the head of the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), said the event was a “dangerous clown show that puts profit over principle.”

Australia’s anti-doping body, Sport Integrity Australia (SIA), also condemned the risks posed to athletes participating in the Enhanced Games.

“We work to ensure that sport is safe and fair to all,” SIA chief executive Sarah Benson said in a statement. “The Enhanced Games is promoting the complete opposite and poses a significant risk to athlete health and safety.”

USADA’s chief science officer, Matt Fedoruk, highlighted that many substances had been banned in conventional sporting events because they were proven to be dangerous.

“These things aren’t just banned because they’re effective at making athletes stronger or faster,” Fedoruk said in a post on USADA’s website.

“Many are banned because they’ve been proven to be dangerous for athletes, with some harmful side effects being potentially irreversible.”

Enhanced Games founder D’Souza however has pushed back on those criticisms, insisting that the competition would be conducted “safely.”

“We live in a world transformed by science — from vaccines to AI,” said D’Souza.

“But sport has stood still. Until today. We are not updating the rulebook — we are rewriting it. And we’re doing it safely, ethically, and boldly.”

The Enhanced Games have received financial backing from investors who include billionaire PayPal founder Peter Thiel as well as investment firm 1789 Capital, in which Donald Trump Jr. is a partner.


Real Madrid great Luka Modric leaving club after 13 years. Exit to follow Club World Cup

Updated 23 May 2025
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Real Madrid great Luka Modric leaving club after 13 years. Exit to follow Club World Cup

  • Madrid will pay tribute to Modric in their last match of the season Saturday against Real Sociedad in La Liga at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
  • In 13 seasons, Modric helped the club win 28 titles: six European Cups, six Club World Cups, five European Super Cups, four Spanish leagues, two Copas del Rey and five Spanish Super Cups

MADRID: Real Madrid and midfielder Luka Modric — the most decorated player in the club’s history — have agreed to part ways after the Club World Cup.

The 39-year-old Modric will leave after an “unforgettable time as a player at our club,” the club said in Thursday’s announcement.

Madrid will pay tribute to Modric in their last match of the season Saturday against Real Sociedad in La Liga at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. The Club World Cup starts in mid-June in the United States.

“The moment has arrived,” Modric said on social media. “The moment I never wanted to come, but that’s football, and in life everything has a beginning and an end. On Saturday, I’ll play my last game at the Santiago Bernabeu.”

Modric arrived at Madrid in 2012 and became a key player during one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.

“Real Madrid wishes to express its immense gratitude and appreciation for a player who has become a true legend both of our club and world football,” the club said.

In 13 seasons, Modric helped the club win 28 titles: six European Cups, six Club World Cups, five European Super Cups, four Spanish leagues, two Copas del Rey and five Spanish Super Cups.

“Luka Modric will forever remain in the hearts of all madridistas (Madrid fans) as a unique and exemplary footballer who has always embodied the values of Real Madrid,” club president Florentino Perez said. “His football has captured the imagination of madridismo and fans all over the world. His legacy will live on forever.”

The Croatia international has made 590 appearances for Madrid — eighth on the club’s all-time list — and has scored 43 goals. He had been playing fewer minutes in recent seasons under coach Carlo Ancelotti.

He is one of only five players to have won six European Cups.

In 2018, Modric won the Ballon d’Or, was named FIFA’s best men’s player and UEFA’s men’s player of the year. Twice he’s been named the best midfielder in the Champions League.

“I’m leaving filled with pride, gratitude and unforgettable memories,” Modric said. “And although after the Club World Cup I won’t wear this shirt on the field again, I’ll always be a madridista.”

Modric did not indicate his post-Madrid plans, but a motivating factor could be that the 2026 World Cup is only a year away.

Modric’s 186 matches for Croatia make him the nation’s record-holder for international appearances. He won the Golden Ball at the 2018 World Cup in Russia — where Croatia lost the final to France — and the Bronze Ball at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.


Birthday boy Djokovic avenges Arnaldi loss in Geneva

Updated 23 May 2025
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Birthday boy Djokovic avenges Arnaldi loss in Geneva

GENEVA: Novak Djokovic overcame soggy conditions on his 38th birthday to beat Matteo Arnaldi on Thursday and reach the Geneva Open semifinals in a tune-up event for Roland Garros.
The former world number one retrieved a break in the second set to claim a 6-4, 6-4 win over the 39th-ranked Italian who dumped him out at the first hurdle in Madrid last month.
Djokovic is hunting the 100th title of his career on the eve of the French Open having not won a tournament since capturing Olympic gold in Paris last August.
“It’s great to be in the semifinals again. Last year I played the semifinals. Hopefully this year I can go at least a step further. That’s the goal,” said Djokovic.
Djokovic, who received a wild card to play in Geneva after skipping Rome, will meet British qualifier Cameron Norrie for a place in Saturday’s final.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion had not won a match on clay this season after also losing his Monte Carlo opener at the start of April to Alejandro Tabilo.
A single break early in the first set enabled Djokovic to take control, but the sixth-ranked Serbian had to rally from 4-1 down in the second.
He drew audible gasps from the crowd when he grabbed his right knee after stretching for a shot in the fifth game.
But Djokovic, who had surgery last year to repair a torn meniscus suffered at the French Open, quickly rebounded and let out a mighty roar as he broke to go 5-4 ahead before putting away Arnaldi.
He said an angry outburst after dropping serve helped him reset as he won the final five games.
“I think I’m playing really, really good tennis,” said Djokovic, who was presented on court with a chocolate cake topped with sparklers after his victory.
“Today it was a lot of tension on the court. A straight-sets win but it was much closer than maybe the score indicates.
“I was 4-1 down in the second. Somehow after that racquet breaking I didn’t lose a game and kind of found my optimal state and balance, mentally and emotionally.”
Norrie ousted Australian fifth seed Alexei Popyrin 7-6 (8/6), 6-4 in the day’s last quarter-final.
Hubert Hurkacz put out top seed Taylor 6-3, 7-6 (7/5) earlier and will play Austrian qualifier Sebastian Ofner in the other semifinal.
The 128th-ranked Ofner came from behind to beat fourth seed Karen Khachanov 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.