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The Arab League has condemned, in the strongest terms, the Israeli attack on Tuesday against civilian residential premises in Doha.In a statement, the Arab League stressed that this targeting constitutes an egregious and entirely rejected breach of the State of Qatar's sovereignty, which has sought since the start of the war on Gaza, alongside Egypt and the United States, to mediate a ceasefire and has exerted significant and sincere efforts aimed at bringing the ongoing war Israel continues to wage in Gaza to a close.The Arab League expressed its solidarity with the State of Qatar in the face of this flagrant assault on its sovereignty and affirmed support for any measures it takes to protect its sovereignty and security.It stressed that Israeli conduct has veered outside every established international norm and all the tenets of binding international law, placing a clear responsibility on the international community to confront a state that mocks the law and disregards the consequences of its reprehensible actions.

Barcelona, the reigning Spanish league champions, announced Monday that their international Dutch midfielder, Frenkie de Jong, has sustained an injury. The club stated that the player has a minor injury to the obturator externus muscle in his right thigh. De Jong had left his national team's training camp last Friday, just a few hours after participating in their 1-1 draw against Poland in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, a match he was forced to leave in the 83rd minute. The midfielder may miss Sunday's match against Valencia in the fourth round of the league, which is Barcelona's first home game of the season. De Jong joins midfielder Gavi, who is receiving treatment for a knee issue, and left-back Alejandro Balde, who is sidelined for three weeks after suffering a hamstring tear in his left thigh during training.

HE the Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ibrahim bin Ali Al Mohannadi has lauded the Arab League Council of Ministers' unanimous approval of the State of Qatar's proposal to establish the Permanent Arab Committee for International Humanitarian Law.This move represents an Arab milestone and a significant advancement in boosting cooperation to promote the values of humanitarian law and compliance with the tenets of international humanitarian law in the Arab region amid the challenges besetting the region, HE Al Mohannadi underlined.He lavished praise on the efforts made by the National Committee for International Humanitarian Law, chaired by HE the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice and Chairman of the National Committee for International Humanitarian Law Saeed bin Abdullah Al Suwaidi, along with its success in the productive coordination with national committees in the sisterly Arab nations to develop a draft proposal for establishing the committee in a manner that meets the aspirations of the Arab states.Having praised the support given by the General Secretariat of the Arab League and the Legal Affairs Sector to adopt this draft proposal, HE Al Mohannadi stated that Qatar's proposal in this respect underscores its enduring commitment to essentially respect the tenets of international humanitarian law, promote the provisions of this law on the Arab stage, as well as the efforts aimed at enforcing it at multiple national levels, in accordance with the provisions of the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and the two Additional Protocols of 1977, and the regional action plans of the relevant Arab national committees.For his part, HE Al Suwaidi hailed the approval of Qatar's proposal, emphasizing that the national committee took the initiative with this proposal, stemming from the State of Qatar's belief and its unwavering commitment to international humanitarian law embodied by the nation's leading initiatives to craft national legislations and establish a national committee related to international humanitarian law.He extended his gratitude to national committees in the Arab countries and the Arab League's Legal Affairs Sector for their support, applauding their efforts to approve this proposal.This approval honestly ushers in a new era in the march of joint Arab action, as the committee operates under the supervision of the Arab League's council at the ministerial level to coordinate this action among the national committees in the area of international humanitarian law as the competent apparatus in connection with the topics of international humanitarian law at the Arab League, Al Suwaidi underlined.He pointed out that the committee ought to contribute to beefing up collaboration among the Arab national committees, spreading the culture of international humanitarian law, capitalizing on diverse experiences, and setting technical support plans and programs, as well as holding professional training sessions, seminars, and workshops in collaboration with the relevant regional committees and organisations.

The Arab League has said that peaceful coexistence in the Middle East cannot be achieved without a Palestinian state and an end to what it described as Israel's "hostile practices".In a resolution submitted by Egypt and Saudi Arabia and adopted on Thursday, the League said that "the failure to reach a just solution to the Palestinian cause and the hostile practices of the occupying power" remain major obstacles to "peaceful coexistence" in the region.The resolution was part of a wider meeting in Cairo which wrapped up yesterday with Arab foreign ministers endorsing a "Joint Vision for Security and Co-operation in the region".The Arab League affirmed support for the joint Qatari-Egyptian efforts aimed at reaching a permanent ceasefire agreement and restoring normal life in the Gaza Strip.The meeting came as Israeli forces intensified their military offensive around Gaza City — the territory's largest urban centre — and just days after Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for annexation of swathes of the West Bank to "bury the idea of a Palestinian state".In the resolution, a copy of which was obtained by AFP, the Arab League said that lasting peace, co-operation and coexistence in the Middle East are not possible while Israel continues to occupy Arab land or "issues implicit threats to occupy or annex further Arab lands".In its resolution, the League said any lasting settlement must be based on a two-state solution and the 2022 Arab Peace Initiative, which offers a full normalisation of relations in return for a complete Israeli withdrawal from the territories it occupied in 1967.

Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin could be the first high-profile Indian cricketer to play in the Big Bash League (BBL) after being approached by the Australian board, according to a media report Friday. Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg is in talks with the spinner, who ended his Indian Premier League (IPL) career last month, over a possible stint Down Under this season, according to www.cricbuzz.com“To get someone with Ashwin’s credentials to come over here for the BBL will be great at so many levels,” Greenberg told the website.“He’s a champion cricketer, who will bring a lot to the Big Bash and to our cricket summer.”Ashwin won two IPL titles with Chennai Super Kings before quitting the world’s richest T20 tournament last month, saying he would become an “explorer of the game around various leagues”. While several members of the Indian women’s team play in the BBL, the country’s board does not allow its contracted male players to play in overseas leagues. Ashwin, who turns 39 this month, was India’s frontline Test spinner before he quit international cricket last year.

The Council of the League of Arab States condemned the targeting of workers, facilities, and equipment of international organizations operating in relief and humanitarian fields, including attacks on UNRWA buildings, holding the Israeli occupation forces fully responsible for these crimes, which reflect their approach in dealing with UN personnel and those working in global relief, humanitarian, and medical sectors. Regarding the Syrian state, the Council of the League of Arab States affirmed its support for the just demand and right of the Syrian Arab Republic to regain the entirety of the occupied Syrian Arab Golan up to the Jun. 4, 1967 line, on the basis of the peace process grounded in UN Security Council Resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1974), and 497 (1981), the principle of land for peace, and building on what was achieved within the framework of the 1991 Madrid Peace Conference. The Council also reiterated that the continued occupation of the Syrian Arab Golan since 1967 constitutes an ongoing threat to peace and security in the region and the world, and reaffirmed adherence to international legitimacy, particularly successive UN General Assembly resolutions on the Occupied Syrian Golan, all of which affirm the applicability of the 1949 Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War to the occupied Syrian Arab Golan. It considered Israel's imposition, being the occupying power, of its laws, jurisdiction, and administration on the Golan null and void, with no legal effect whatsoever. The participants condemned Israel's incursion, as the occupying power, into Syrian territory within the buffer zone with the Syrian Arab Republic and across a chain of adjacent sites on Mount Hermon, as well as additional areas in Quneitra and Rural Damascus Governorates and in Daraa Governorate, which amounts to further occupation of Syrian lands in violation of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement between Syria and Israel, and a clear breach of the UN Charter and Security Council Resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), and 497 (1981). The Council affirmed that the 1974 Disengagement Agreement between the Syrian Arab Republic and Israel, the occupying power, remains in force pursuant to Security Council Resolution 350 (1974) and under the rules of international law, and as a result the agreement should be left unaffected by Syria's political changes. It stressed the importance of the continued role of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), the need to expose Israeli violations, and the obligation of the parties to fully comply with all provisions of the agreement until Israel's complete withdrawal from the occupied Syrian Arab Golan. It called on the United Nations to carry out its tasks under this agreement and to act immediately to halt Israeli breaches of its terms. The Council condemned Israeli practices in the occupied Syrian Arab Golan, including the seizure and confiscation of agricultural lands; the plunder of natural resources, including subsoil wealth such as oil exploration and extraction for the benefit of Israel's economy, and the depletion of water resources by drilling wells, building dams, drawing lake waters, and diverting them for settlers' benefit, thereby depriving Syrian farmers of key water sources for irrigating crops and watering livestock. It affirmed that these resources are the exclusive property of the people of the occupied Syrian Arab Golan, as established by charters, agreements, and international legitimacy resolutions. The Council affirmed the Arab position of full solidarity with the Syrian Arab Republic and the Lebanese Republic, and standing with them in the face of Israel's ongoing aggressions and threats, considering any attack on them an attack on the Arab nation. It called on the administration of President Donald Trump to rescind the decision taken on March 25, 2019, recognizing Israel's sovereignty, as the occupying power, over the occupied Syrian Arab Golan, deeming it null and void in form and substance and a serious violation of the UN Charter, which does not recognize the acquisition of others' land by force, and of unanimous Security Council resolutions, foremost among them 242 (1967), 338 (1974), and 497 (1981), all of which clearly indicate non-recognition of Israel's annexation of the occupied Syrian Arab Golan, and which view it as a violation of the principles of international law that undermines efforts to achieve the comprehensive peace sought by the region's states and peoples.Regarding the Lebanese state, the Council of the League of Arab States affirmed support for the Lebanese government's decision to confine arms exclusively to the Lebanese Army and security forces, and nowhere else, across all Lebanese territory before the end of the current year 2025, and to withdraw weapons from all Lebanese and non-Lebanese armed groups and hand them over to the Lebanese Army, based on the Taif Agreement and the relevant international resolutions. This is also in implementation of what was stated in the inaugural address of the President of the Lebanese Republic, Joseph Aoun, and the government's ministerial statement, and it welcomed the start of the process of handing over Palestinian weapons in the Palestinian camps in Lebanon to the Lebanese authorities pursuant to the agreement concluded with the President of the Republic. The Council emphasized its support for the Lebanese state in imposing its sovereignty and control over the entirety of Lebanese territory and in consolidating lasting stability and security for the Lebanese people, and rejected any external interference in Lebanon's sovereign decisions concerning the exclusivity of arms with the Lebanese state.The Council affirmed Arab support for the financial, judicial, economic, and administrative reform path launched by the Lebanese government, welcomed the series of reform laws approved by the Lebanese Parliament as part of necessary reforms; and welcomed the establishment of many new regulatory authorities for key sectors to activate the work of government institutions and all sectors, propelling the country toward recovery and restoring the confidence of the international community. It affirmed support for Lebanon's constitutional institutions in exercising their powers in a manner that strengthens national unity, and a commitment to provide support to Lebanon to confront the economic, financial, and monetary challenges it is facing and their potentially grave repercussions on stability and social security, helping it regain its vitality and meet the Lebanese people's aspirations for a more secure, prosperous, and stable future.The Council strongly condemned Israel's ongoing aggression against Lebanon and its targeting of civilians, its continued and escalating violations of Lebanon's sovereignty and the inviolability of its territory, its occupation of Lebanese land, and its breach of its obligations under the declaration to cease hostilities that entered into force on Nov. 27, 2024. It supported Lebanon's position calling for the full and comprehensive implementation, without fragmentation or selectivity, of Security Council Resolution 1701, and a return to compliance with the provisions of the General Armistice Agreement between Lebanon and Israel signed under UN supervision on Mar. 23, 1949. It also supported the Lebanese state's political and diplomatic efforts with the international community to pressure Israel to withdraw immediately, fully, and unconditionally from all Lebanese territories it occupies.Regarding maritime navigation, the Council of the League of Arab States affirmed the principle of freedom of navigation in international waters in accordance with established rules of international law and the Law of the Sea conventions. It called for ensuring the security and safety of maritime navigation in the Arabian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and the Red Sea, and for safeguarding energy supply routes.The Council condemned all actions targeting the security and safety of navigation, offshore facilities, energy supplies, oil pipelines, and petroleum installations in the Arabian Gulf and other waterways, describing them as actions that threaten the security of Arab states, undermine Arab national security, and harm international peace and security.It affirmed the necessity of confronting existing threats to freedom of international commercial navigation and maritime transport within the framework of established international laws and rules—particularly those arising from the actions of non-state entities and terrorist movements—as they pose an unacceptable threat to global trade and to international peace and security. It emphasized the importance of all states' solidarity in preserving the security and freedom of lawful maritime navigation on the high seas and in vital straits.The Council condemned the attacks targeting oil tankers and commercial ships in the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, including the May 12, 2019, attack on two Saudi oil tankers, a Norwegian oil tanker, and a UAE cargo ship within the territorial waters of the United Arab Emirates; the Jun. 13, 2019 attack on two oil tankers in the Sea of Oman, one flying the Panamanian flag and the other the Marshall Islands flag, the Jul. 29, 2021 attack on the Mercer Street tanker; the Aug. 4, 2021 attempted hijacking of the Asphalt Princess; and the Apr. 13, 2024 seizure of the container ship MSC Aries, considering them criminal acts that threaten the security and safety of international maritime navigation and commercial shipping.The Council warned that the continued threats by the Houthi militias to maritime security in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait require a response by the international community in accordance with relevant rules of international law. It affirmed its condemnation of the May 14, 2019, attack by the terrorist Houthi militias using explosive-laden drones on two oil pumping stations in the cities of Al Dawadmi and Afif in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which targeted global oil supplies.The Council also condemned the detention by the Iranian authorities of ships in the Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Gulf, in clear violation of international law, and called on Iran to refrain from such hostile acts, to adhere to international law, and to respect freedom of maritime navigation.The Council further condemned and denounced the actions of the naval forces of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in redeploying military forces on the three occupied Emirati islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa on May 12, 2025; in conducting combat exercises on the three occupied Emirati islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa on Sep. 6, 2024; and in launching naval maneuvers and carrying out combat drills from the occupied Abu Musa Island of the United Arab Emirates on Jun. 20, 2024; as well as deploying missile-equipped vessels in the Arabian Gulf. It considered these steps an escalation that increases the risk of threats to the security of navigation, energy supply routes, and international trade, and that contradicts regional efforts toward de-escalation and rebuilding relations in ways that enhance channels of communication, dialogue, and commitment to joint action for the stability and prosperity of the region.The Council condemned the terrorist and subversive attack on Sep. 14, 2019 against Saudi Aramco's oil facilities in Abqaiq and Khurais in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia using drones and cruise missiles, deeming it a dangerous escalation aimed at destabilizing the Kingdom and the region and threatening global energy supplies and the world economy.Regarding the situation in Sudan, the Council of the League of Arab States affirmed solidarity with the Republic of the Sudan and the brotherly Sudanese people in their efforts to safeguard their capabilities, protect their territory and vital infrastructure, maintain sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, reject interference in their affairs, and bolster efforts to preserve national institutions and prevent their collapse by forming an independent civilian government. It rejected any steps or entities that would threaten Sudan's safety and territorial unity and exacerbate the humanitarian situation.The Council recalled the need for the immediate implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2736 and relevant UN resolutions, and expressed deep concern over the growing phenomenon of mercenarism and the spread of mercenaries fighting in Sudan, emphasizing that this phenomenon poses a threat to Sudan's security and stability and to Arab national security. It stressed that Sudan's security is an integral part of Arab national security and affirmed the importance of the League of Arab States' role in defending the unity, safety, and stability of all member states.The Council called on member states and relevant Arab organizations to provide urgent humanitarian support to Sudan and its people; to rehabilitate damaged facilities; and to increase regional and international responsiveness in ways that strengthen Sudan's resilience against any threats to its unity and help it overcome the catastrophic effects afflicting the Sudanese people. It praised the efforts of the Secretary-General of the League in intensifying coordination between Sudan and all organs and institutions of joint Arab action, and requested that the Secretary-General continue his role with all relevant parties to ensure Sudan's ability to overcome the current situation, based on relevant Arab and international resolutions.The Council also called for a ceasefire in accordance with the Jeddah Declaration, and to consider the possibility of calling for the resumption of the Jeddah (3) track to reach sustainable, peaceful solutions. It called on the Arab Contact Group, comprising the foreign ministers of the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Secretary-General, to continue their good offices and efforts to reach solutions that meet the Sudanese aspirations for stability and development, affirming that the Sudanese people are the decision-maker regarding their country's future.Regarding Somalia, the Council of the League of Arab States affirms support for the security, stability, unity, and sovereignty of Somalia and the integrity of its territory; support for the Somali government in its efforts to preserve Somali sovereignty by land, sea, and air; affirmation of the right of the Federal Republic of Somalia to lawful defense of its territory as stipulated in Article 51 of the UN Charter and relevant articles of the Charter of the League of Arab States; support for any measures it decides to take to confront attempts to aggress against it within the framework of international legitimacy; and affirmation of the firm Arab position of absolute rejection of any acts that undermine or violate the sovereignty of the Somali state.Regarding the water security of the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Republic of the Sudan, the Council of the League of Arab States affirmed that the water security of both countries is an integral part of Arab national security, and rejected any act or measure that infringes upon their rights to the Nile waters.The Council also expressed deep concern over the continued unilateral measures to fill and operate the Ethiopian dam, measures that contravene applicable rules of international law, especially the Declaration of Principles concluded between Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia in Khartoum on Mar. 23, 2015.The Council likewise expressed grave concern over Ethiopian intransigence that led to the end of all negotiation tracks concerning the Ethiopian dam without reaching a fair, balanced, and legally binding agreement on the rules for filling and operating the dam that achieves the shared interests of the three countries and preserves the water rights of Egypt and Sudan, due to Ethiopia's hardline positions that disregard the water interests of the downstream states, Egypt and Sudan, and the rules of international law. It stressed rejection of Ethiopia organizing a ceremony to inaugurate the dam and rejection of participation in it, considering it an attempt to confer legitimacy on a dam built by Ethiopia without adherence to international law.

Qatar participated in the 164th session of the Council of the Arab League at the Ministerial Level, held at the headquarters of the Arab League's General Secretariat in Cairo. HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi led Qatar's delegation at the meeting.

The State of Qatar participated in the Ministerial Meeting of the Economic and Social Council in its regular 116th session, which was held at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the Arab League in the Arab Republic of Egypt.Deputy Undersecretary for Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Saud bin Abdullah Al Attiyah, represented the State of Qatar in the meeting.The agenda of this session included a number of important items, such as the economic and social file of the Council of the League of Arab States at the summit level (35), the latest developments regarding the Greater Arab Free Trade Area, and progress on the Arab Customs Union.The meeting also included discussions on the Arab platform for small and medium-sized enterprises, support for the Palestinian economy, as well as the unified Arab statement for the 2025 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.In addition, the session addressed matters related to Arab organisations and institutions of joint Arab action, investment in Arab countries, and sustainable development, along with the follow-up on the implementation of the resolutions from the 115th session of the Economic and Social Council, as well as other economic and social topics included on the agenda.Qatar's participation comes within the framework of its commitment to strengthening joint Arab economic and social cooperation, supporting efforts aimed at achieving sustainable development, and deepening integration among Arab countries across various areas of mutual interest.

The Premier League’s record transfer summer has had an acute impact on Germany, where even Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich have felt the impact of English football’s growing financial muscle.Other than Liverpool signing Alexander Isak from rivals Newcastle, the top four most expensive Premier League arrivals this summer Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Nick Woltemade and Benjamin Sesko all came from the Bundesliga.A total of 380mn euros (£300mn, $446mn) plus bonuses was paid out on that quartet alone, with the two most expensive moving to the same club: Liverpool.Premier League clubs spent more than three billion euros this summer, a record for a transfer window. The shifting sands have led to debate about whether to pursue major structural reforms in Germany, like abolishing the fan-loved 50+1 rule, which restricts outside investment and ensures member control.Others, however, suggest that clubs could take advantage of the Premier League’s wealth, potentially uprooting Germany’s well-established footballing hierarchy.Bayern Munich CEO Oliver Kahn, the club’s former goalkeeper, slammed German football administrators on Monday, saying that clubs and the league were content to play second fiddle.Kahn called for changes in structure and in attitude.“For many, this is normal now. For me, it’s a signal. The league is playing too safe and has forgotten how to take risks,” Kahn wrote on his personal LinkedIn account.“(The question is) whether we want to remain a league that creates talent and loses it – or whether we want to create the conditions for talents to stay here.”Kahn did not directly call for the abolition of the 50+1 rule, but said that structural restraints meant “bold decisions don’t emerge”.Under the 50+1 rule, German clubs must be majority owned by club members mostly fans thus restricting external investment. The only two clubs which have an exception to that rule, Bayer-owned Leverkusen and Volkswagen-owned Wolfsburg, have won league titles in the past 20 years. Double winners in 2023-24, Leverkusen lost eight members of that team this summer, with five moving to the Premier League.Leverkusen’s sporting director Simon Rolfes told DAZN this season: “when a domino falls in England, it will fall here. As a club you have almost no choice but to let the player go.”As Europe’s largest nation and a traditional football powerhouse, some view the rivers of Premier League gold as an opportunity.This summer, Borussia Dortmund, Leverkusen, RB Leipzig and Stuttgart each sold at least one player to the Premier League for a fee of more than 50mn euros.Rolfes said the “key factor in offsetting the Premier League’s economic advantage” was the “professionalisation of youth academy programmes”.The wealth available has the potential to change a German club’s fortunes.In 2024, Porsche paid 100mn euros to take a minority stake in Stuttgart, providing the side with financial security. Stuttgart qualified for the Champions League in 2024, the first time in 15 years, and won the German Cup a season later. In August, Stuttgart received 85mn euros for Woltemade, who arrived on a free a season earlier.One of Europe’s biggest clubs, even Bayern have not escaped the ripple effects. Despite courting Wirtz and Woltemade, both players moved to the Premier League.Earlier this season, Bayern sporting director Max Eberl said “certain things weren’t possible during the transfer window because we want to be very financially prudent.”Asked at a press conference on Friday to assess the appeal of the Premier League this transfer window, Bayern coach Vincent Kompany gave a one-word answer: “money”.In Germany, Bayern’s woes are unlikely to win them too much sympathy. The growing financial might of the Premier League presents a real challenge to Bayern’s status as the league’s apex predators. Winners of 34 German titles no other side has hit double figures Bayern have built their success on the back of plucking their rivals’ best, particularly in recent seasons.This summer shows competition from the Premier League is making that more difficult.

Alexander Isak was on the brink of a British-record £125mn ($169mn) move to Liverpool from Newcastle Monday on a frantic final day of the Premier League transfer window.The Sweden striker is understood to have arrived at Liverpool’s training ground Monday as a protracted saga neared its end.With the Premier League window due to shut at 1800 GMT, there were a number of big deals yet to be done as clubs scramble to strengthen.Sky Sports reported that Newcastle had agreed a deal to sign Brentford forward Yoane Wissa, while Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was set for a move to Manchester City after being told he was surplus to requirements at Paris Saint-Germain.Struggling Manchester United were understood to have agreed a deal to sign Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp for an initial 21mn euros (£18mn, $24.6mn) as they seek to address their goalkeeping problems. But most eyes will be on the expected finalising of Isak’s move to Liverpool.The 25-year-old has made clear his desire to leave Newcastle even though he has three years remaining on his contract. The Anfield club had a £110mn offer for the forward rejected last month and since then he has not trained with or played for Newcastle.Isak is set to become Liverpool’s eighth first-team signing of the summer window, and his purchase marks the second time that they have broken their own transfer record following the capture of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for an initial fee of £100mn.Arne Slot’s side, who beat Arsenal 1-0 on Sunday to maintain their perfect Premier League record this season, are also reported to have agreed a £35mn deal to sign Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi.Once the Isak and Guehi deals are completed, Liverpool’s summer spending will reach an eye-watering figure of around £450mn, although there have also been significant departures including Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Trent Alexander-Arnold.Newcastle last week signed German international striker Nick Woltemade for a club-record fee reported to be worth up to £69mn.That paved the way for the potential departure of Isak, who scored 27 goals for Eddie Howe’s team in all competitions last season. The Magpies will have further strengthened their attack with the arrival of Wissa, who on Sunday urged Brentford to “keep their word” and allow him to leave.Now it appears that the DR Congo forward, who scored 19 Premier League goals last season, has his wish, giving Saudi-owned Newcastle extra firepower as they prepare for their Champions League campaign.Donnarumma, who won the Champions League with PSG in May, is poised for a move to City, with the Premier League club understood to have agreed a fee of around 35 million euros.Ederson, City’s long-serving Brazilian goalkeeper, is understood to be on the radar of Turkish side Fenerbahce. Man United have endured poor starts to the season from goalkeepers Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir.The club had been linked with Argentina stopper Emiliano Martinez, who was not included in Aston Villa’s matchday squad for their 3-0 defeat at home to Crystal Palace on Sunday.But the 20-time Premier League champions appear to have opted for the potential of Lammens over the experience of the World Cup-winning Martinez.United are also understood to have agreed to sell Brazil winger Antony to Real Betis. Villa were reported to have agreed a loan deal for United winger Jadon Sancho and have also signed former Old Trafford defender Victor Lindelof on a free transfer. Sancho has flopped since making a £73mn move to United from Borussia Dortmund in 2021 and spent last season at Chelsea on loan.Villa are also expected to tie up a loan deal for Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott. Chelsea signed Brighton winger Facundo Buonanotte on a season-long loan.The 20-year-old spent last season on loan at Leicester, scoring five goals in 31 Premier League appearances.Tottenham have reportedly agreed a season-long loan deal to sign PSG striker Randal Kolo Muani.

Still searching for their first win of the new season of Qatar Stars League (QSL), Al Duhail aim to put it across Al Rayyan in their third round clash at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium today at 6.30pm.Runners-up of the last season, Al Duhail have so far logged one point from their opening two games while Al Rayyan have three points. Al Duhail were held 1-1 by Al Shahania and lost 1-2 to Al Wakrah whereas Al Rayyan beat Al Sailiya 3-1 and lost 2-4 to Al Shamal in their respective two rounds. Al Duhail’s coach Djamel Belmadi expressed concern while speaking ahead of the tie but hoped for his side to get back to winning ways.“There are many reasons that led to the team’s poor results at the start of the league, but it will suffice to mention one of the most important reasons: not playing consecutive matches during preparations for the new season, which may have led to a lack of harmony. We must play at our usual level and style on the field during matches from start to finish,” he said.“We haven’t achieved any victories in previous matches, and facing Al Rayyan is always difficult due to the strength and large fan base of the opposing team,” he added. Team captain Bassam al-Rawi, said, “We are not under any pressure. All teams are exposed to such things, and it is possible to stumble. The team has some new players and our performance is improving from one match to the next. However, we will not wait long, and we hope that The Al Rayyan match is the beginning of Al Duhail’s recovery and return to its usual level.”Al Duhail would be missing their goalkeeper Salah Zakaria, who was sent off in their last match, and Al Rayyan would look to exploit the Red Knights’ cautious approach.Al Rayyan coach Artur Jorge said, “We are ready to face Al Duhail. In the previous match, we made some mistakes that affected the result. Our goal now is to do our best. We’ve trained hard this week to be ready for victory.”The side’s Brazilian player Gregory da Silva said, “I came from a different continent, and I’m trying to adapt as quickly as possible. As for the match, we’ll go in wanting to win. We have confidence and we strive to get the three points.”Al Sadd to meet Al GharafaDefending champions Al Sadd will meet Al Gharafa at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium today at 8.30pm. Al Gharafa have so far garnered six points while Al Sadd have three points to their credit. Al Sadd coach Felix Sanchez said his team wants to go into the international break with a win in this match.“It is important for us to win the last match before the FIFA international break. It’s important to enter the break feeling positive. We certainly want to achieve another good result for the team,” he said.“Al Gharafa have started the season strongly but we are confident of putting in a good performance on home turf and in front of our fans. It’s important for us to regain our balance after the first match. I think we performed well last week and showed improvement, and we want to continue building on that,” he added.Al Sadd player Pedro Miguel, said, “We know Al Gharafa have distinguished players and a strong squad but we also have great players. Our fans may not have been very happy with our loss in the opening match but that’s football. You can’t always win, and what matters is how you respond. We are preparing well for the upcoming matches and with time, we are improving step by step. Against Al Gharafa, we will show everyone that we are ready for the entire season.” Meanwhile Al Gharafa are looking at the return of their Romanian forward Florinel Koeman to add more muscle to their squad.Coach Pedro Martins said, “Koeman’s return to training will give the team greater options. The match against Al Sadd will be exciting and difficult. We must focus defensively without compromising our style and identity. Calm and focus are our path to achieving our goals.”The Cheetahs’ Spanish striker Joselu said, “We believe that a victory will put the team in a strong position with nine points. Al Sadd are a tough team, but we have a special team spirit this season, and we are confident in our ability to achieve a positive result with the support of our fans.”ROUND THREE SCHEDULETodayAl Rayyan vs Al Duhail at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium (6:30pm)Al Sadd vs Al Gharafa at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium (8:30pm)FridayAl Arabi vs Umm Salal at Al Thumama Stadium (6:30pm)Al Shahania vs Al Wakrah at Khalifa International Stadium (8:30pm)SaturdayAl Sailiya vs Al Shamal at Al Bayt Stadium (6:30pm)Qatar SC vs Al Ahli at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium (8:30pm)

Superstar striker backs his side to collect more trophies following an exceptional campaign in 2024-25The RSL and King’s Cup champions begin their title defence away to Al OkhdoodSuperstar striker Karim Benzema is calling on Al Ittihad to “achieve even more” as the Roshn Saudi League (RSL) champions begin their title defence when the highly anticipated 2025-26 season gets underway this week.Al Ittihad were the dominant domestic team last season, winning the RSL trophy by eight points to reclaim the title they last won in 2023, before claiming a historic double by defeating Al Qadsiah in the Kings Cup final with a 3-1 victory.Benzema scored twice in that final to conclude a phenomenal second season in Saudi football.The legendary French forward scored 25 goals across both competitions, including 21 goals and a further nine assists in the RSL. In addition to the team trophies, Benzema picked up the ultimate individual accolade by being named the Saudi Pro League’s Player of the Season.Reflecting on the success of last season, Benzema said: “I’m very happy finally to have won the league and the cup, which were very important. For me the most important thing is collective trophies. Then, to win an individual award, as I always say, it’s thanks to all my teammates at the club. So, thank you to them, and thank you to the fans as well.“I said before: one way or another, I was going to win in Saudi Arabia. Thanks also to the people who put their trust in me. We won trophies all together. I’m someone who doesn’t give up until I achieve my goals. It was a lot of hard work, so I’m super happy and I hope it continues.”The former Ballon d'Or winner also reserved special praise for Al Ittihad’s supporters, adding: “We’re lucky to have the best supporters in Saudi. Whether at home or away, they’re there.They sing, they push us forward. We always need what’s called the ‘12th man’, the support of the fans. There’s a real connection with the supporters, and we thank them for the trophies by giving everything on the pitch. It’s really important for us to have fans like ours, and I hope we can continue this way.”Benzema and his Al Ittihad teammates are naturally taking plenty of “confidence” from last season’s success into the new campaign. However, the club captain is aware that winning the double again will be more challenging than ever ahead of their season-opener away to Al Okhdood on Saturday.The RSL is the most competitive it’s ever been, with clubs across the Kingdom recruiting top talent to strengthen their squads, while Al Ittihad will also have to balance domestic duties with a return to the AFC Champions League Elite.Asked how Al Ittihad can reach new heights, Benzema said: “You just have to look at what we did last year, take everything we did – all the moments that helped us win those trophies – and achieve even more this year. Because the opponents will be tougher. Teams have strengthened. Now, every team wants to beat Al Ittihad. We need confidence and ambition.“We can’t always predict the future. But what I can say is that we’ll fight until the end and we’ll do everything to win more trophies, which are the most important thing in football. And above all, to bring joy to everyone.”Benzema, one of the greatest strikers in history and a five-time UEFA Champions League winner with Real Madrid, was one of the headline names to spearhead this new era for Saudi football when he swapped the Spanish capital for Jeddah in 2023.In the two years since, the RSL has solidified its status as the leading league in Asia and made a notable impact on the global stage when Al Hilal reached the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-finals this summer, which included a statement win over English Premier League giants, Manchester City.Benzema has seen the remarkable progress first-hand and expects a bright future for football in the Kingdom: “The level of football in Saudi is rising every year. There are very good Saudi players, and I think with hard work, and with the arrival of European players and European coaches, Saudi football can rise even higher.”