Sports

OPSHOT - Maccabi supporters wave yellow flags next to Israeli flags during the UEFA Europa League, League phase - Matchday 4, football match between Ajax Amsterdam and Maccabi Tel Aviv at the Johan-Cruijff stadium, in Amsterdam on November 7, 2024. (Photo by Robin van Lonkhuijsen / ANP / AFP) / Netherlands OUT (Photo by ROBIN VAN LONKHUIJSEN/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)

Maccabi Tel Aviv fans barred from UK soccer game over safety concerns

Antisemitic and anti-Israel incidents are on the rise in the UK, with a recent report accusing British authorities of failing to address discrimination.

Tom Brady and head of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, Turki al-Sheikh, unveil the flag football tournament in Las Vegas on Sept. 17, 2025.

Saudi sports push targets NFL with flag football series featuring Tom Brady

The Public Investment Fund is not yet investing in the National Football League amid restrictions on state entities, but is eyeing flag football as the sport grows in the region.

Saudi Arabia's Bayan Sadagah (C-L) celebrates her goal during a friendly football match between Saudi Arabia and Bhutan at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz stadium in Abha on September 24, 2022. (Photo by AFP) (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)

Saudi Arabia launches 24-hour women’s sports channel: What to know

The launch coincides with the start of the Saudi Women’s Premier League season, which will see the soccer competition broadcast nationally and globally for the first time.

A supporter of Sudanese football team al-Hilal Omdurman watches on a phone a stream of his team's CAF Champions League group stage match.

World's largest illegal sports streaming site shut down after Egypt arrests

Streameast, believed to be the world’s largest illegal sports streaming network, was taken down in August during a sting operation conducted by Egyptian authorities in collaboration with a US anti-piracy group.

Latest News

Dubai Police to host expanded esports event amid UAE gaming push: What to know

Players in action during day one of the Girl Gamer Esports Festival at Meydan Racecourse on Feb. 21, 2020, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

United Arab Emirates

Jordan refuses to play Israel in FIBA Basketball World Cup: What to know

Jordanian fans cheer for their team during the FIBA Basketball World Cup group C match between Jordan and New Zealand at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, suburban Manila on August 28, 2023. (Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP) (Photo by TED ALJIBE/AFP via Getty Images)

Saudi Arabia bets 2034 World Cup will bring foreign investment, reduce reliance on debt

Saudis celebrate World Cup announcement

Culture

Saudi Arabia wins bid to host 2034 FIFA World Cup: What we know

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - DECEMBER 11: A drone show is seen displaying the words "Welcome to Saudi 34" as Saudi Arabia is announced as the host nation for the FIFA World Cup 2034 on December 11, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Christophe Viseux/Getty Images for Saudi Arabian Football Federation)

Dania Akeel

Culture

Saudi Dania Akeel’s Baja Cup win inspires Arab women in motorsports

The Jeddah-born driver is the first Saudi woman to win that cup and among an increasing number of Arab women drivers to achieve success in the traditionally male-dominated sport in recent years.

Neymar

Culture

After Ronaldo, Neymar scores $54 million penthouse in Dubai

The Brazilian soccer player is the latest athlete to acquire property in the UAE’s largest city.

United Arab Emirates

JEROEN JUMELET/ANP/AFP via Getty Images

Dutch, French leaders denounce attacks on Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam

Hundreds of rioters chased and attacked Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam for the Maccabi Tel Aviv-Ajax match.

Head coach Robert Saleh of the New York Jets looks on against the Denver Broncos during the first half at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 29, 2024, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Culture

What’s behind firing of Robert Saleh, NFL’s first Muslim, Lebanese head coach?

The New York Jets were performing poorly under the Lebanese American Saleh amid rumors of tensions with outspoken quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Culture

Tunisian tennis star Ons Jabeur drops out of 2024 tennis circuit

Tunisia's Ons Jabeur, currently ranked 22nd in the Women's Tennis Association, will step away from tennis until 2025 as she recovers from a shoulder injury.

David Ramos/Getty Images

Trial opens in London for UAE-backed Manchester City: What we know

The English Premier League claims Man City breached rules requiring it to provide financial data that "gives a true and fair view of the club's financial position."

United Arab Emirates

The Olympic rings are seen during preparation works at the Eiffel Tower stadium in Paris on July 24, 2024, ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Analysis

Race for historic Middle East Olympics is on post-Paris

Regional players are ready to make their case for the 2036 games but face a crowded field of bidders.

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Analysis

Is NFL inching closer to welcoming Gulf investors?

America’s richest sports league is finally embracing Wall Street. Could investors from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE be next?

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Turkey's Olympic team is pictured in Paris, on July 24, 2024.

Paris Olympics fashion provides glimmer of unity for Turkey’s polarized public

Turks find a glimmer of joy in conversations surrounding Turkish athletes’ Olympic fashion.

This photograph shows Paris 2024 Olympics Games banner in front of the National Assembly, in Paris, on July 18, 2024.

Culture

From Egypt to Saudi: Meet Middle East's athletes at Paris Olympics

Burgeoning Iraqi soccer star Ali Jasim and 2020 Israeli gold medal–winning gymnast Artem Dolgopyat are among the most-known competitors from the region.

Euro 2024

Turkey's Erdogan joins fans in panning EURO 2024 referee

The Turkish president’s remarks criticizing the referee of the Euro 24 quarterfinal between Turkey and the Netherlands came amid lingering anger at UEFA.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - MAY 4: Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates after scoring the 2nd goal during the Saudi Pro League match between Al-Nassr and Al Wehda at Al Awwal Park on May 4, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.(Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Culture

Saudi Arabia's soccer dreams tested as Vision 2030 goal posts move

2023 saw Saudi Arabia take the world of soccer by storm with record-breaking spending on new stars, but those hoping for a repeat performance in 2024 have so far been left disappointed.