Suspended outgoing FIFA president Sepp Blatter claims an agreement was in place for Russia to take the 2018 World Cup - before there was even a vote. He’s spoken to the Russian news agency, saying the 2022 tournament was lined up to go to the USA but went to Qatar instead after UEFA boss Michel Platini changed his backing. Blatter hasn’t revealed who an agreement had been made with. It's seen as a controversial statement, as many countries spent millions of dollars on campaigns.
Sri Lanka crush Oman for second victory in T20 World Cup
Sri Lanka batsmen Kusal Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake and Dasun Shanaka cracked half-centuries as the 2014 champions continued to build momentum in the Twenty20 World Cup with a 105-run win over Oman in Pallekele on Thursday.
Philippine's rising star Alexandra Eala to debut at Dubai Tennis Open
Alexandra Eala, one of the fastest-rising talents on the WTA Tour, will debut at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships next week, organisers have confirmed.
Messi suffers muscle strain, Miami reschedule preseason finale
Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi did not participate in training on Wednesday due to a muscle strain in his left hamstring, with his injury leading to the postponement of what was supposed to be the reigning MLS Cup champions' preseason finale.
Man City and Villa close gap on Arsenal, Liverpool edge Sunderland
Manchester City have halved Arsenal's lead at the top of the Premier League to three points with a 3-0 win overvisitors Fulham, while Aston Villa stayed in the frame with a late 1-0 victory at home to Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday.
Djokovic withdraws from Doha with fatigue
Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from next week’s Qatar ExxonMobil Open in Doha due to fatigue, the tournament organisers said on Wednesday.
The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has confirmed that private sector employees will have their working days reduced by two hours during the holy month of Ramadan.
The National Identity Committee has been established under a decision issued by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The UAE's Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has announced the official working hours for federal entities during the holy month of Ramadan.
