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Messi apologises to PSG for Saudi trip

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FRANCK FIFE/ AFP

Lionel Messi apologised to Paris St Germain and his team mates on Friday after being suspended for making a trip to Saudi Arabia earlier this week and missing a training session as a result.

French media reported that Messi was suspended for two weeks after an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia when he was supposed to train with the squad the day after the Ligue 1 leaders’ 3-1 defeat at home to Lorient on Sunday.

“I sincerely believed that I would have the day off after the game as had been happening in previous weeks. I had this trip organised and I couldn’t cancel it, I had already cancelled it before,” Messi said in a video message.

“I apologise to my team mates and I’m waiting for what the club wants to do with me,” added the Argentina forward.

PSG boss Christophe Galtier said earlier on Friday that he had nothing to do with the club’s decision to suspend Messi, who is set to miss the next two matches at Troyes and home to Ajaccio as they look to keep their Ligue 1 lead intact.

“We’ll see when Leo returns, we’ll see what happens. Obviously there will be discussions with the entire club, but also with Leo,” Galtier had said at a press conference.

PSG are five points clear of Olympique de Marseille with five matches left in the season.

Messi has received a formal offer to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal next season, a source close to Argentina’s captain told Reuters, with a contract renewal at PSG not on the cards for the World Cup winner who turns 36 next month.

The oil-rich nation appointed Messi its tourism ambassador last year and he visited Jeddah in May 2022.

He returned in January to play a friendly match with PSG against a team of Saudi League stars, when he faced great rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

Al Hilal coach Ramon Diaz, however, refused to be drawn on claims the Saudi club are attempting to sign Messi as they are focused on their clash with Urawa Red Diamonds in the second leg of the Asian Champions League final.



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Dubai Premier Padel 2025 tournament returns with Dh1.98 million prize pool and new mega venue

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The Dubai Premier Padel P1 tournament is set to return from November 9 to 16, this time at a much larger venue to meet soaring demand for the sport.

Organisers Gallop Global have moved the international event to the Hamdan Sports Complex, the largest indoor sporting arena in the Middle East with a 15,000-seat capacity. It’s a major upgrade from last year’s 5,000-seat Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium and a testament to padel’s rapid rise in popularity across the UAE.

A New Home for Padel in the UAE

The 2025 edition will feature a 7,000-seater Centre Court, the largest in UAE padel history, along with three secondary courts and two practice courts.

General admission tickets start at Dh36 and are now available at Platinumlist.com. Every Centre Court ticket includes access to all other courts.

World-Class Talent, Bigger Prize

The prize pool has also seen a slight boost, rising from Dh1.96 million to Dh1.98 million. The tournament will welcome top-ranked players, including men’s World No.1 duo Arturo Coello and Agustin Tapia, and women’s World No.1s Ari Sanchez and Paula Josemaria.

Leaders Celebrate Sport’s Rapid Growth

Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Padel Association (UAEPA), called the return of the tournament a landmark moment for the sport, which has flourished since the federation’s founding in 2014.

Saeed Mohammed Hareb, Secretary-General of the Dubai Sports Council, said the relocation highlights the UAE’s growing global presence in padel. Meanwhile, Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), noted the event’s role in supporting Dubai’s vision to be the best city to live, work and visit

The UAE is now home to around 1,000 padel courts, representing 30 per cent of Asia’s total and 2 per cent worldwide..

In addition to the matches, spectators can enjoy off-court entertainment and interactive fan experiences throughout the week.

For tickets and event details, visit DubaiPremierPadel.ae.

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Real estate

Chelsea FC teams up with Dubai property company to launch football-themed residences

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Chelsea Football Club has announced an exciting new partnership with DAMAC Properties, bringing the iconic football brand to Dubai’s real estate scene.

The partnership will lead to the creation of Chelsea Residences by DAMAC, a first-of-its-kind, football-themed residential project in Dubai Maritime City, the city’s newest beachfront location.

A Football-Inspired Seafront Lifestyle

The upcoming Chelsea Residences will feature over 1,400 seafront units, each offering stunning views and access to Chelsea-branded amenities focused on health, fitness, and high-performance living.

From concierge services to training-style spaces inspired by elite sports facilities, every corner of the development will reflect the spirit and style of Chelsea FC.

DAMAC on Chelsea Team Shirts

As part of the partnership, DAMAC’s logo will appear on Chelsea’s match shirts for the rest of the season. The branding will make its debut on Thursday during the UEFA Conference League semi-final against Djurgarden.

Leaders React

AmiraSajwani, Managing Director of Sales & Development at DAMAC Properties, said: “This isn’t just about real estate, it’s about creating a unique lifestyle that reflects Chelsea’s legacy and relentless pursuit of excellence.”

Jason Gannon, President and COO of Chelsea FC, added: “We’re thrilled to bring Chelsea to life in Dubai through this innovative project with DAMAC. It’s a major step in expanding our global presence.”

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Abu Dhabi set to host world’s largest indoor fitness race

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Abu Dhabi is set to host HYROX, the globe’s largest indoor fitness race, on July 19, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The event, a part of the Abu Dhabi Summer Sports (ADSS), will bring athletes and fitness enthusiasts together for a thrilling competition.

Organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council in partnership with HYROX, this event marks a major milestone for Project 206, the initiative driving HYROX’s expansion across the Middle East. As the race’s popularity continues to grow worldwide, Abu Dhabi will now have the privilege of hosting one of the most anticipated fitness challenges.

A Race for Every Athlete

HYROX is a comprehensive test of strength, endurance, and mental grit. The race consists of eight 1-km runs, each followed by a different functional workout, creating a dynamic and standardised format that challenges participants to push their limits. 

Competing in Multiple Divisions

The race format includes a variety of divisions to cater to everyone:

  • Individual Categories: Compete in male and female divisions, with each runner battling through both the running segments and the functional exercises.
  • Pairs: Athletes can join forces with a partner, with categories for male, female, and mixed pairs.
  • Pro Division: For those seeking an elite challenge, the Pro division offers a more intense experience for advanced athletes.
  • Relay Division: Teams of four can join the competition in this collaborative format, testing both individual and collective strength.

The event will also feature an Adaptive Division, allowing athletes with physical disabilities to compete, showcasing the event’s commitment to accessibility for all.

A Global Phenomenon Comes to Abu Dhabi

HYROX is one of the fastest-growing fitness races worldwide, drawing participants from around the globe. By expanding into the Middle East, the event adds a unique flavour to the already diverse sporting scene in Abu Dhabi. Whether you’re racing or cheering from the sidelines, HYROX Abu Dhabi promises to be a celebration of athleticism.

Register Now

Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this fitness extravaganza. Registration for HYROX Abu Dhabi opens soon. For more details, go to www.hyrox.com/event/hyrox-abu-dhabi.

(Source: Wam)

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