MENA
Doha joins 2020 Olympics race after receiving positive IOC feedback
The Qatari capital of Doha has entered the running to host the 2020 Olympics after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) agreed to consider the Games being staged between September and October.
Budapest withdraws from 2017 IAAF Worlds race
Budapest has withdrawn its bid for the 2017 World Athletics Championships to leave a three-way battle between London, Barcelona and Doha, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) confirmed on Monday.
Dubai targets 2024 Olympics as South Africa re-enters 2020 race
Dubai has announced it will forgo a bid for the 2020 Olympics in favour of concentrating its efforts on the 2024 Games, while South Africa has again emerged as a serious contender for the former event.
Bin Hammam “refused” to co-operate in bribery probe – report
Mohamed bin Hammam refused to co-operate fully with FIFA’s investigation into match-fixing, according to a report compiled for the Ethics Committee of world football’s governing body.
Bahrain struck off 2011 F1 calendar for good
The International Motorsport Federation (FIA) has ratified the cancellation of this season’s Formula One Grand Prix after giving its backing to a revised calendar on Wednesday.
Due diligence on Bahrain Grand Prix was Ecclestone’s responsibility – Todt
Jean Todt, the head of the International Motorsport Federation (FIA), has insisted it was Formula One rights-holder Bernie Ecclestone’s responsibility to carry out “due diligence” on the now-doomed Bahrain Grand Prix.
Bahrain 2011 F1 Grand Prix set to be axed
Formula One rights-holder Bernie Ecclestone admitted on Wednesday that the Bahrain Grand Prix is set to be dropped from the 2011 calendar after all.
Bahrain back in the balance after Ecclestone and FOTA raise concerns
The fate of the Bahrain Grand Prix is once again shrouded in uncertainty after Formula One rights-holder Bernie Ecclestone raised fresh concerns about the safety situation in the troubled Middle Eastern country.
Qatar plans to build first World Cup stadium by 2015
Qatar is planning to complete construction of its first stadium for the 2022 FIFA World Cup by 2015, according to the Gulf state’s news agency.
Mosley slams Bahrain’s return to F1 calendar
Max Mosley, the former president of the global governing body of motorsport, has criticised the decision to reinstate the Bahrain Grand Prix to this year’s Formula One calendar.
PSG sold to Qatari investors
A Qatari investment vehicle has acquired a majority stake in leading French Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Valcke and Qatar deny allegations as FIFA presidential election looms
FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke has rubbished claims that he asked Mohamed Bin Hammam to withdraw from the presidential race against incumbent Sepp Blatter.
India F1 race could be switched to accommodate Bahrain return – Ecclestone
The Indian Formula One Grand Prix could be shifted to a season-ending December slot if Bahrain is reinstated on the 2011 calendar, according to the Championship’s rights holder, Bernie Ecclestone.
Iran in running for FIFA Club World Cup hosting rights
Iran has tabled an unlikely bid to host the FIFA Club World Cup in 2013 and 2014, world football’s governing body has announced.
Qatar slams “false” allegations as fresh World Cup bid claims emerge
The Qatar Football Association (QFA) has categorically denied fresh allegations that FIFA Executive Committee members received payments to vote for the country’s successful bid to host the 2022 World Cup.
Bahrain given until June 3 to confirm F1 Grand Prix plans
Motorsport’s governing body, the FIA, has given organisers of the postponed Bahrain Formula 1 Grand Prix a further month to decide whether they will be able to stage the race later this year.
Ecclestone ready to give Bahrain organisers more time
Formula One rights holder Bernie Ecclestone has insisted he is ready to give organisers of the postponed Bahrain Grand Prix more time to decide whether the race can take place later in the season.
Dubai investment group to acquire Real Zaragoza – reports
Royal Emirates Group, a Dubai-based investment group chaired by HRH Sheikh Butti Bin Suhail Al Maktoum, has reportedly acquired a football team from La Liga in a deal worth about US$90 million.