<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="720" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Q335SYI6PFKZ7CGQZHEPIZ7L6Q.avif" alt="" class="wp-image-610166"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Commonwealth Games &#8211; Closing Ceremony &#8211; Alexander Stadium, Birmingham, Britain &#8211; August 8, 2022 General view of fireworks during the closing ceremony REUTERS/Phil Noble/File Photo</figcaption></figure>



LONDON, April 16&nbsp;&#8211;&nbsp;Commonwealth sport has hit the jackpot with seven nations across four continents jostling to host future editions of the Commonwealth Games, as the race for the prestigious centennial 2030 celebration heats up.



Canada, India, and Nigeria had already publicly thrown their hats into the 2030 ring, with two mystery nations also now in the mix, the governing body said on Wednesday.



Meanwhile, two additional expressions of interest target future Games, including New Zealand, which has set its sights on 2034.



&#8220;We are thrilled with the incredible interest from around the Commonwealth,&#8221; CEO Katie Sadleir said on Wednesday.



&#8220;This positive response from four of our six regions underlines the importance and significance of the Commonwealth Games and its position as the major multi-sport event in the world sporting calendar alongside the Olympic Games and Paralympics.&#8221;



The flurry of interest follows a challenging period for the event after Australia&#8217;s Victoria state withdrew as 2026 hosts, citing cost concerns. Scotland stepped in with Glasgow taking the reins for 2026.



&#8220;We cannot understate the hugely significant role Scotland has played in this change,&#8221; Sadleir added.



&#8220;Glasgow 2026 will be a bridge to the Games of tomorrow – an important first step in our journey to reimagine and redefine the Games.&#8221;



Commonwealth Sport launched a new collaborative selection process in January, moving away from traditional bidding to allow potential hosts more flexibility and innovation.



&#8220;Considering the high level of interest, we will now discuss each submission further,&#8221; said Darren Hall, Director of Games and Assurance.



The next five months will see candidates developing detailed proposals, with Commonwealth Sport aiming to recommend a 2030 host for approval at its General Assembly in Glasgow in November 2025.



The new hosting framework promises reduced costs, flexible programming, and continued commitment to Para sports, with organisers hoping the reimagined model will enable more diverse nations to stage the Games in future.



The Commonwealth Games, first held in 1930 as the British Empire Games in Hamilton, Canada, brings together athletes from Commonwealth nations and territories every four years.



The event has grown to feature over 70 teams competing in more than 20 sports, with the most recent Games held in Birmingham, England in 2022.



(Repoorting by Ossian Shine; Editing by Ken Ferris)

Q335SYI6PFKZ7CGQZHEPIZ7L6Q

Commonwealth jackpot as seven nations battle for future Games

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="640" height="483" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/RUOSHILXAJKG3G5CGAZV5P4VJQ.avif" alt="" class="wp-image-564824"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Soccer Football &#8211; FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 &#8211; Final &#8211; Argentina v France &#8211; Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar &#8211; December 18, 2022 General view of Argentina&#8217;s Lionel Messi lifting the trophy as he celebrates winning the World Cup REUTERS/Hannah Mckay/File Photo</figcaption></figure>



Dec 10 (Reuters)&nbsp;&#8211;&nbsp;FIFA is set to confirm the hosts of the 2030 and 2034 men&#8217;s World Cups on Wednesday, with a three-continent, six-nation bid led by Morocco, Spain and Portugal to be awarded the former and the latter going to Saudi Arabia.



In October last year, the global soccer governing body said there were no competing bids for the two tournaments, making Wednesday&#8217;s decision little more than a formality.



A day before the announcement it was still not clear exactly what format a vote on the decision would adopt, with acceptance by &#8220;acclamation&#8221; expected rather than a formal vote.



On Tuesday, the Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) said it would vote against the awarding of hosting rights by acclamation and criticised FIFA&#8217;s bidding process, saying it was &#8220;flawed and inconsistent&#8221;.



BIDS



Morocco, Spain and Portugal&#8217;s combined proposal will see the 2030 World Cup take place across three continents and six countries to mark the tournament&#8217;s centenary, with Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay hosting celebratory games.



Uruguay hosted the first ever World Cup in 1930.



Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Paraguay had in 2022 submitted a joint bid to host the 2030 World Cup, but FIFA announced last year that Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay would instead each host one match during the tournament.



Saudi Arabia will become the second nation from the Middle East to host the quadrennial tournament in 2034, 12 years after neighbours Qatar staged the 2022 edition.



Australia and Indonesia were in talks over a joint bid for the 2034 tournament, but dropped out before Saudi was announced as the sole bidder.



HURDLES



Both bids have already been criticised.



The decision to host the 2030 World Cup across three continents has been panned by climate activists because of the increased emissions from the extra travel required.



FIFA has said it will take measures to &#8220;mitigate the environmental impact&#8221;.



The 2034 bid by Saudi Arabia has been criticised because of the country&#8217;s human rights record and desert climate, much in the same way as the Qatar World Cup.



The Saudi climate will likely force FIFA to hold the tournament in the Northern Hemisphere winter, just like it did in Qatar, where the event took place from late November to mid-December.



That timeframe will coincide with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, with reports now suggesting the 2034 tournament could be held in January instead, risking a clash with the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.



FIFA said the Saudi bid did not stipulate a proposed window and that they would collaborate with stakeholders to &#8220;determine the optimal timing&#8221;.



HUMAN RIGHTS



A World Cup in Saudi Arabia will also spark debate about the Kingdom&#8217;s record on human rights and lead to accusations of &#8216;sportswashing&#8217;.



Amnesty International and the Sport &amp; Rights Alliance (SRA) last month urged FIFA to halt the process to pick Saudi as hosts unless it announces major reforms before the vote.



The Kingdom has invested heavily in sport over the last few years, although critics, including women&#8217;s rights groups and members of the LGBTQ community, allege it is using its Public Investment Fund to sportswash its human rights record.



The country denies accusations of human rights abuses and says it protects its national security through its laws.



Hammad Albalawi, head of Saudi Arabia&#8217;s bid, told Reuters this month that the country has made significant progress in human rights.



(Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Christian Radnedge)

RUOSHILXAJKG3G5CGAZV5P4VJQ

FIFA to confirm World Cup hosts, Saudi set to stage 2034 tournament

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="547" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2188369249-820x547.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-563928" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2188369249-820x547.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2188369249-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2188369249-135x90.jpg 135w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2188369249-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2188369249-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2188369249-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES &#8211; DECEMBER 05: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing looks on in the Paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on December 05, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



ABU DHABI, Dec 8 (Reuters)&nbsp;&#8211;&nbsp;Formula One world champion Max Verstappen will serve a penalty for swearing when he visits Rwanda next week to collect his winner&#8217;s trophy, the governing FIA said on Sunday.



Verstappen, who secured his fourth successive championship in Las Vegas last month, was ordered to do &#8220;work of public interest&#8217; after swearing during a Singapore Grand Prix press conference in September.



The FIA&#8217;s prize-giving gala is in Kigali next week, a first for the governing body.



It said after the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that the Red Bull driver &#8220;would undertake some work with junior competitors as part of the grassroots development programme organised by the Rwanda Automobile Club&#8221;.



The activity will involve an FIA Affordable Cross Car built locally from blueprints provided by the governing body.



The Dutch driver collected a 10-second penalty in Sunday&#8217;s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after a first-lap collision with McLaren&#8217;s Oscar Piastri.



While Verstappen apologised to Piastri, he was less complimentary about the stewards who gave him the time penalty and two penalty points on his licence.



The 27-year-old now has a total of eight points for the 12-month period, with 12 triggering an automatic one-race ban.



&#8220;Could we ask for 20 seconds, stupid idiots,&#8221; he said over the radio, a reference to the two 10-second penalties he received in Mexico in October.



The&nbsp;Piastri collision&nbsp;could have been disastrous for McLaren, who were fighting Ferrari for the constructors&#8217; title and emerged on top thanks to Lando Norris winning from pole position.



&#8220;I apologised to Oscar. I never want to crash with anyone, especially not Oscar who is a great guy,&#8221; Verstappen told Sky Sports television.



&#8220;I went up the inside because we had a really good launch but then I realised that it was going to be tight at the apex.



&#8220;I tried to stay on the kerb but unfortunately we clipped with the tyres, hooked each other and both spun. It&#8217;s not great, as simple as that.&#8221;



Piastri fought back to 10th and McLaren&nbsp;became&nbsp;champions for the first time in 26 years,&nbsp;by 14 points.



(Reporting by Alan Baldwin, editing by Toby Davis and Clare Fallon)

F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi – Previews

Motor racing-Verstappen to serve swearing penalty in Rwanda

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="546" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-452758655-820x546.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-553742" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-452758655-820x546.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-452758655-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-452758655-135x90.jpg 135w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-452758655-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-452758655-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-452758655-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA &#8211; DECEMBER 01: Danny Jordaan (SAFA president) during the arrival of the FIFA World Cup Trophy at Lanseria Airport on December 01, 2013 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo images)</figcaption></figure>



JOHANNESBURG, Nov 13 (Reuters)&nbsp;&#8211;&nbsp;South African Football Association (SAFA) President Danny Jordaan was arrested on Wednesday over allegations he used the organisation&#8217;s money for his own purposes, according to local media reports.



Jordaan, who was a leading figure in bringing the 2010 World Cup to South Africa, had tried to interdict his imminent arrest on Tuesday, but the Johannesburg High Court is only scheduled to hear his submission on Thursday.



The arrest stems from a raid by police on the SAFA offices in March, after which police spokesperson Katlego Mogale said the allegations are that &#8220;between 2014 and 2018, the president of SAFA used the organisation&#8217;s resources for his personal gain, including hiring a private security company for his personal protection and a public relations company, without authorisation from the SAFA board.&#8221;



Jordaan, 73, and his reported co-accused, SAFA chief financial officer Gronie Hluyo and businessman Trevor Neethling, are due to appear in court later on Wednesday.



Neither Jordaan nor SAFA responded to a request for comment from Reuters, but in his affidavit to court seeking to block his arrest, he denies any wrongdoing.



(Reporting by Nick Said; Editing by Christian Radnedge)

FIFA World Cup Trophy arrives at Lanseria Airport

South Africa FA president Danny Jordaan arrested

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="547" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/GettyImages-1243645267-820x547.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-545121" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/GettyImages-1243645267-820x547.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/GettyImages-1243645267-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/GettyImages-1243645267-135x90.jpg 135w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/GettyImages-1243645267-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/GettyImages-1243645267-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/GettyImages-1243645267-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Patrice Motsepe, Host a Press Conference, in Algiers, Algeria, October 01, 2022. (Photo by APP/NurPhoto via Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



ADDIS ABABA, Oct 22 (Reuters)&nbsp;&#8211;&nbsp;African football paid $50-million in an out of court settlement to former marketing company Lagardere Sports after abruptly cancelling their long-term agreement, the Confederation of African Football&#8217;s congress was told on Tuesday.



The French company had sued for compensation after their 10-year, $1-billion agreement was abruptly cancelled in 2019.



Lagardere Sports held the marketing, sponsorship and television rights to all CAF competitions for two decades, but CAF said it had to cancel the deal after two court rulings found that the agreement was made without proper tender.



The company, now known as Lagardere Unlimited, sued for compensation before accepting a settlement, with CAF paying in two equal tranches, the last of which was paid at the end of last year, CAF&#8217;s finance committee vice chairman Andrew Kamanga said.



CAF president Patrice Motsepe told congress the organisation had made a $72-million profit from this year&#8217;s Africa Cup of Nations finals in the Ivory Coast, significantly increased from a $4-million profit for the 2021 finals in Cameroon.



CAF said it projected a revenue of almost $150 million for the 2024-2025 financial year, with expenses of $138.2 million.



Some 30% of the budget would be spent on development programmes and contributions to CAF’s 54-member associations.



A proposal was approved to give each association president an annual salary of $50,000 from the $400,000 annual contribution.



Motsepe, expected to stand for re-election next year, said CAF wanted to increase African football&#8217;s revenue to $1-billion over the next eight years. &#8220;We are having a lot of discussions with potential sponsors,&#8221; he told the congress in the Ethiopian capital.



He said CAF wanted to give $1-million annually to each member association from 2026.



Motsepe also said CAF were reviewing rules on the treatment of visiting teams in the wake of Nigeria&#8217;s national team being held at a Libyan airport for a half day before last week&#8217;s scheduled Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.



Nigeria refused to play the game after saying they had been held hostage by Libyan authorities who diverted their charter plane to an unused airfield and then left them waiting.



&#8220;National teams must be treated with respect. If there are violations, we&#8217;ll take action,&#8221; said Motsepe.



(Writing by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Christian Radnedge)

President Of The (CAF) Patrice Motsepe In Algeria

African football paid out $50-million settlement over marketing rights

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="547" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/GettyImages-2162879043-820x547.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-522325" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/GettyImages-2162879043-820x547.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/GettyImages-2162879043-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/GettyImages-2162879043-135x90.jpg 135w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/GettyImages-2162879043-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/GettyImages-2162879043-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/GettyImages-2162879043-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">BUDAPEST, HUNGARY &#8211; JULY 21: Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes waves to the crowd on the drivers parade prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Hungary at Hungaroring on July 21, 2024 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



ZANDVOORT, Netherlands, (Reuters) &#8211; Lewis Hamilton said on Thursday the time was right for a Formula One race in Africa and he was working behind-the-scenes with Rwanda and South Africa to try to make it happen.



The seven-times world champion spoke to reporters at the Dutch Grand Prix after visiting Africa during the sport&#8217;s August break.



&#8220;The time&#8217;s 100% right. We can&#8217;t be adding races in other locations and continue to ignore Africa, which the rest of the world just takes from. No one gives anything to Africa,&#8221; said the Mercedes driver.



&#8220;I think having a Grand Prix there will really be able to highlight just how great the place is and bring in tourism and all sorts of things. Why are we not on that continent?



&#8220;There is at least one track that&#8217;s ready. In the short term, we should just get on that track and have that part of the calendar, and then work on building out something really cool.&#8221;



Formula One has long wanted to return to Africa for the first time since South Africa&#8217;s Kyalami circuit last hosted a race in 1993, but financial issues have been a major obstacle.



Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali said this month that Rwanda wanted to host a race at a permanent circuit, yet to be built, and there would be further discussions in September.



Hamilton, Formula One&#8217;s first and only Black driver, said he would also be speaking with Domenicali.



&#8220;Rwanda is one of my favourite places I&#8217;ve been to actually. I&#8217;ve been doing a lot of work in the background on it,&#8221; said the Briton.



&#8220;I&#8217;ve spoken to people in Rwanda, I&#8217;ve spoken to people in South Africa. That&#8217;s a longer project, Rwanda, but it&#8217;s amazing that they&#8217;re so keen to get a part of it.&#8221;



The 39-year-old Briton has made several visits to Africa with the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR and his latest trip took him to Morocco, Senegal, Benin, Mozambique and Madagascar.



&#8220;I&#8217;m still digesting the trip to be honest. Going to a refugee camp and seeing the work that is being done there and how people who are displaced are affected,&#8221; he said.



&#8220;It&#8217;s one thing reading about it, or hearing on the news, but actually seeing and speaking to kids who are walking 10km to get to school just to have an education and then 10k back and not having school meals and being able to eat during the day.



&#8220;That was really heavy to see and experience and then the history of Senegal and seeing the slave areas was really heavy as well.



&#8220;Through all those experiences I feel it&#8217;s just adding to my compass of what I want to do moving forwards,&#8221; said Hamilton.



(Reporting by Alan Baldwin, editing by Clare Fallon)

F1 Grand Prix of Hungary

Hamilton working with Rwanda and South Africa on F1 race plans

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="613" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/VJ5LH6KF2BI2ZGLLQJNNERNKRQ-820x613.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-514113" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/VJ5LH6KF2BI2ZGLLQJNNERNKRQ-820x613.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/VJ5LH6KF2BI2ZGLLQJNNERNKRQ-300x224.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/VJ5LH6KF2BI2ZGLLQJNNERNKRQ-120x90.jpg 120w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/VJ5LH6KF2BI2ZGLLQJNNERNKRQ-768x575.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/VJ5LH6KF2BI2ZGLLQJNNERNKRQ-1536x1149.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/VJ5LH6KF2BI2ZGLLQJNNERNKRQ-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Paris 2024 Olympics &#8211; Boxing &#8211; Women&#8217;s 66kg &#8211; Prelims &#8211; Round of 16 &#8211; North Paris Arena, Villepinte, France &#8211; August 01, 2024. Imane Khelif of Algeria is seen after her fight against Angela Carini of Italy. REUTERS/Isabel Infantes</figcaption></figure>



PARIS, Aug 1 (Reuters) &#8211; The International Olympic Committee on Thursday defended its decision to allow two female boxers to compete at the Paris Olympics despite a gender row, saying the pair were facing &#8220;aggression&#8221; because of an arbitrary decision.



Algerian Imane Khelif, who won her round of 16 welterweight bout over Italian Angela Carini in 46 seconds, and Taiwan&#8217;s double world champion Lin Yu-ting, who is fighting on Friday, have been cleared to compete in the Olympics.



Khelif&#8217;s lightning-quick win over the Italian, who decided to pull out after a barrage of punches by the Algerian, piled more pressure on the IOC for allowing them to box in Paris.



Both fighters had been disqualified at the 2023 World Championships after failing International Boxing Association eligibility rules that prevent athletes with male XY chromosomes competing in women&#8217;s events.



But the IBA was stripped of its recognition by the IOC last year over governance and finance issues, with the Olympic body running the boxing competition in Paris.



The IOC said the IBA decision to disqualify the boxers last year was arbitrary and the main cause for the furore that has seen people like British author J. K. Rowling and billionaire Elon Musk voice their opposition to them competing in the Games.



&#8220;These two athletes were the victims of a sudden and arbitrary decision by the IBA,&#8221; the IOC said in a statement. &#8220;Towards the end of the IBA World Championships in 2023, they were suddenly disqualified without any due process.



&#8220;According to the IBA minutes available on their website, this decision was initially taken solely by the IBA Secretary General and CEO.&#8221;



Some sports have limited the levels of testosterone allowed for athletes competing in women&#8217;s competition, while others ban everyone who has been through male puberty.



Differences of Sexual Disorder are a group of rare conditions involving genes, hormones and reproductive organs. Some people with DSDs are raised as female but have XY sex chromosomes and blood testosterone levels in the male range.



The IOC said the rules of eligibility were based on those of the Tokyo Games in 2021 and cannot be changed during a competition.



&#8220;The current aggression against these two athletes is based entirely on this arbitrary decision, which was taken without any proper procedure – especially considering that these athletes had been competing in top-level competition for many years,&#8221; the IOC said.



&#8220;The IOC is saddened by the abuse that the two athletes are currently receiving,&#8221; it added. &#8220;Every person has the right to practice sport without discrimination.&#8221;



In a statement, the IBA condemned &#8220;inconsistencies in eligibility&#8221; at the Paris Games.



&#8220;Both Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting post testing, did not meet the required eligibility criteria to compete within the female category of our respective events,&#8221; the body added.



&#8220;The urgent nature of the decision (to disqualify the boxers) was justified, as the safety of our boxers is our top priority.&#8221;



(Reporting by Karolos Grohmann; Additional reporting by Aadi Nair; Editing by Ken Ferris)

Boxing – Women’s 66kg – Prelims – Round of 16

Olympics-IOC saddened by ‘aggression’ against boxers over gender row

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="547" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/GettyImages-1804152399-820x547.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-452135" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/GettyImages-1804152399-820x547.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/GettyImages-1804152399-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/GettyImages-1804152399-135x90.jpg 135w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/GettyImages-1804152399-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/GettyImages-1804152399-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/GettyImages-1804152399-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes before group photo ahead of the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on November 26, 2023. (Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton is on the cusp of a surprise move from Mercedes to Ferrari for the 2025 season, according to multiple media reports.



Both Sky Sports and BBC Sport reported on the news and suggested that formal confirmation could come as early as Thursday. ESPN, meanwhile, cited sources within Formula 1 as saying the deal was “as good as done.”



CNBC was not able to independently verify the reports.



Mercedes declined to comment when contacted by CNBC. A spokesperson at Ferrari was not immediately available to comment.



A move to Ferrari, one of the most iconic teams in the history of motorsport, would bring an end to a remarkably successful partnership. Hamilton first signed with Mercedes in 2013 and went on to win six of his seven world titles with the team between 2014 and 2020.



The prospect of Hamilton joining Ferrari has been the subject of intense speculation over recent years, although Hamilton has previously said he intends to stay with Mercedes for the rest of his life.



In August of last year, Hamilton signed a new two-year deal with Mercedes to keep him on board through the 2025 season, although it’s not clear whether the contract included an exit clause.



Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff described the team’s partnership with Hamilton at the time as “one of the most successful in the sport’s history” adding that it was “always a formality” they would continue with “F1′s biggest global star.”



If Hamilton were to leave Mercedes for Ferrari, it is reported he would likely replace Ferrari’s&nbsp;Carlos Sainz given that&nbsp;his teammate, Charles Leclerc,&nbsp;recently signed a fresh contract extension.



The start of the next Formula 1 season gets underway in Bahrain from Feb. 29.

F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023

Formula 1 star Lewis Hamilton to leave Mercedes and join Ferrari in shock move: Reports

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="619" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/GettyImages-1258264762-820x619.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-446347" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/GettyImages-1258264762-820x619.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/GettyImages-1258264762-300x226.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/GettyImages-1258264762-119x90.jpg 119w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/GettyImages-1258264762-768x580.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/GettyImages-1258264762.jpg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">KIGALI, RWANDA &#8211; MAY 27: Michael Fakuade (L) of Al Ahly and Matthew Bryan-Amaning (R) of AS Douanes compete during 2023 Basketball Africa League Championship match between AS Douanes and Al Ahly at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda on May 27, 2023. (Photo by Cyrile Ndegeya/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



In 2024, Africa&#8217;s sports calendar is marked by an array of prominent tournaments, reflecting the continent&#8217;s enduring commitment to sports. These events, spanning various disciplines, not only highlight the athletic skill and competitive spirit prevalent across Africa but also emphasize the cultural significance of sports within the continent. Each tournament, with its unique history and contemporary relevance, contributes to a broader narrative that intertwines sports with cultural identity and regional unity.



In the heart of the continent&#8217;s football passion, the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), rescheduled to January 13-February 11, in the Ivory Coast, stands as a beacon of football excellence. Originating in 1957, AFCON has evolved from a modest three-team tournament to a grand stage featuring 24 countries. Its 34th edition in Ivory Coast promises a vibrant celebration of football, where careers are forged, and continental pride soars.



The 13th African Games, set to be held in Ghana from March 8-23 marks a milestone in the continent&#8217;s multi-sport showcase. Spanning across Accra, Kumasi, and Cape Coast, this event, originating in 1965, symbolizes the diversity and growth of African sports. The inclusion of sports such as squash, cricket, and rugby union in this edition reflects the evolving nature of the Games and the continent&#8217;s expanding sporting horizon.



Nigeria&#8217;s National Sports Festival, a biennial multi-sport event for athletes from its 36 states, epitomizes the spirit of unity and cultural exchange. Established in 1973 as a post-civil war unifying force, the festival, known as the &#8216;Gateway Games,&#8217; continues to foster national unity and serves as a development platform for athletes. The dates for the 2024 edition are yet to be announced.



The 23rd African Men’s Handball Cup of Nations, to be hosted by Egypt from January 19-29, stands as a testament to the continent&#8217;s handball prowess. Established in 1974, this championship not only crowns the African champions but also serves as a qualifier for global tournaments, underscoring the sport&#8217;s significance and Egypt&#8217;s dominant role in it.



The Basketball Africa League (BAL) 2024 season, set to commence on March 9, illustrates the rising prominence of basketball in Africa. Expanding to 48 games across four countries, including South Africa, Egypt, Senegal, and Rwanda, this season reflects the sport&#8217;s evolution and the continent&#8217;s commitment to nurturing professional basketball.



Each of these events mirrors the diverse and dynamic essence of African sports. Far from mere athletic contests, they represent a confluence of cultural unity and competitive spirit across the continent.



From the lush football fields of Ivory Coast to the handball courts of Egypt, these tournaments in 2024 are more than showcases of physical prowess; they are platforms for celebrating the rich tapestry of African sportsmanship and its evolving role in the global sporting community.

2023 Basketball Africa League Championship – Al Ahly v AS Douanes

The African Sporting Landscape: 2024’s Panorama Of Competitions

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="639" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Y3EKO2QHPZK35JDAMLZFL6ANYU-820x639.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-428590" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Y3EKO2QHPZK35JDAMLZFL6ANYU-820x639.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Y3EKO2QHPZK35JDAMLZFL6ANYU-300x234.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Y3EKO2QHPZK35JDAMLZFL6ANYU-115x90.jpg 115w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Y3EKO2QHPZK35JDAMLZFL6ANYU-768x599.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Y3EKO2QHPZK35JDAMLZFL6ANYU-1536x1197.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Y3EKO2QHPZK35JDAMLZFL6ANYU-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rugby Union &#8211; Rugby World Cup 2023 &#8211; Final &#8211; New Zealand v South Africa &#8211; Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France &#8211; October 28, 2023 South Africa&#8217;s Handre Pollard does a drop kick REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier</figcaption></figure>



PARIS, Oct 29 (Reuters)&nbsp;&#8211;&nbsp;A record fourth Rugby World Cup showed South Africa&#8217;s dogged determination, which saw the team dig deep at critical moments.



Few sides have had as bruising a route to World Cup success as the Springboks in this tournament, playing against each of the other top six ranked nations on their way to the podium.



That road, culminating in a 12-11 win over traditional foes New Zealand in Saturday&#8217;s final at the Stade de France in Paris, but the Boks&#8217; tenacity took them over the line when it counted.



They edged three successive knockout stage matches by a single point to claim the Webb Ellis Cup.



The team talked of a responsibility to provide some distraction for their beleaguered South Africa, which is struggling in an economic downturn with heavy unemployment, crime and corruption.



But while that had its place in motivating success, a full-hearted approach on the field ultimately gave them the edge.



&#8220;As a South African, as a Springbok, you always believe you are going to win,&#8221; said centre Jesse Kriel.



South Africa threw themselves wholeheartedly into battle, tackling tenaciously and putting their bodies on the line.



Their defence underpinned the victory, while forward power saw to the points, using their strengths to maximum effect to earn penalties that Handre Pollard duly dispatched.



There was also the confidence of being coached by a group who were both innovative and prepared to take risks, such as gambling on a lack of cover for their backs in the final.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-relief">RELIEF</h2>



Coach Jacques Nienaber admitted a sense of deliverance.



&#8220;Relief is the first word that comes to mind,&#8221; he said.



&#8220;We thought we can&#8217;t mess this up because we believed from 2018 they had the ability to win the World Cup. I&#8217;m relieved for the players, they deserve it,&#8221; he added



South African success was also built on experience. Fourteen of the 23 players who featured in the final were winners in Japan four years earlier. Yet they never looked like a side swaggering with the self-confidence of defending champions and, indeed were not among the pre-tournament favourites for many.



A loss in the pool stage to Ireland exposed vulnerabilities, although once flyhalf Pollard returned to fitness and was called up to the squad they were able to rely on his precision kicking.



Victory over France in the quarter-final spoilt the home party and the Boks left it late to edge England in the semi-final, both times displaying an extra strength of will.



&#8220;You don&#8217;t have doubts. Winning is a mindset, something we train for and that belief came through again,&#8221; Kriel said.



(Editing by Alexander Smith)

Rugby World Cup 2023 – Final – New Zealand v South Africa

Springbok belief and physicality make for world beating mix

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="588" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/JWX54NKNGNM6DD624ERQ6VJLGM-820x588.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-427960" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/JWX54NKNGNM6DD624ERQ6VJLGM-820x588.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/JWX54NKNGNM6DD624ERQ6VJLGM-300x215.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/JWX54NKNGNM6DD624ERQ6VJLGM-126x90.jpg 126w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/JWX54NKNGNM6DD624ERQ6VJLGM-768x551.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/JWX54NKNGNM6DD624ERQ6VJLGM-1536x1101.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/JWX54NKNGNM6DD624ERQ6VJLGM-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Soccer Football &#8211; FIFA Virtual Council Meeting &#8211; Zurich, Switzerland &#8211; October 4, 2023 FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the meeting FIFA/Handout via REUTERS</figcaption></figure>



Rabat, Oct 4 (Reuters)&nbsp;&#8211;&nbsp;After five failed attempts to become World Cup hosts, Wednesday&#8217;s announcement that Morocco will share the honours with Spain and Portugal in 2030 will lift spirits in the north African country a month after the devastating earthquake that killed nearly 3,000 people.



The World Cup may also provide a boost to the Moroccan economy, which was already under increasing pressure due to a severe drought and high inflation rates, according to a World Bank report.



FIFA, in a&nbsp;surprise announcement&nbsp;a year earlier than planned, said Morocco, Portugal and Spain &#8212; the sole bid put forward &#8212; would host the 2030 tournament but added that Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay would each host a match to mark the tournament&#8217;s centenary.



Observers said the ease of travel between Morocco and the two Iberian countries was important in the bid.



&#8220;The geographic proximity between them contributed to the decision to organise jointly, and in the recent period joint organisation has become commonplace and this indicates that football brings us together more than it divides us,&#8221; said Muhammad Suhail, an analyst at BeIN Sports.



Morocco lost bids to be sole hosts in 1994, 1998 and 2006. FIFA&#8217;s decision to limit the bids to Africa for the 2010 finals raised Moroccan hopes but in the end South Africa became the first country on the continent to host the World Cup.



Morocco tried again for 2026 but the tournament was awarded to a joint bid by the United States, Canada and Mexico.



Joining forces with Spain and Portugal will have increased their chances of hosting the tournament, in addition to the support of Saudi Arabia who decided to focus on a 2034 bid instead of 2030.



Morocco also successfully hosted the Women&#8217;s Africa Cup of Nations last year, with its team reaching the final where they lost 2-1 to South Africa.



Last year&#8217;s performance by Morocco&#8217;s men in the Qatar World Cup, when they became the first African side to reach the semi-finals, will have done them no harm either.



On their way to fourth place, Morocco defeated Spain on penalties in the last 16, then beat Portugal 1-0 in the quarter-finals.



&#8220;There is a football competition between the three teams, and instead of the struggle to qualify from the group stage, there will be a collective effort to make the tournament a success; from competition to love and cooperation,&#8221; Suhail said.



(Additional reporting Mohamed Msiyeh in Rabat, editing by Clare Fallon)

FIFA Virtual Council Meeting

Morocco finally succeed in sixth attempt to host the World Cup

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="546" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/107196916-1676693580855-gettyimages-109822847-63840101-820x546.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-425424" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/107196916-1676693580855-gettyimages-109822847-63840101-820x546.jpeg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/107196916-1676693580855-gettyimages-109822847-63840101-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/107196916-1676693580855-gettyimages-109822847-63840101-135x90.jpeg 135w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/107196916-1676693580855-gettyimages-109822847-63840101-768x511.jpeg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/107196916-1676693580855-gettyimages-109822847-63840101-1536x1022.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/107196916-1676693580855-gettyimages-109822847-63840101-scaled.jpeg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A statue of George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton standing outside Old Trafford, home of Manchester United in Manchester, England. Mike Hewitt | Getty Images Sport | Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



Manchester United shares surged as much as 30% in premarket trading on Tuesday, before paring gains, after Qatari media suggested Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani was likely to succeed with his takeover bid.



Qatar’s Al-Watan newspaper reported Tuesday evening that Sheikh Jassim, a son of the country’s former prime minister, is poised to be announced as the preferred bidder of the Premier League soccer club. Al-Watan is co-owned by Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber al-Thani.



A spokesperson for Manchester United was not immediately available to comment.



Shares of Manchester United, which exclusively trade on the New York Stock Exchange, were nearly 24% higher at 6:45 a.m. ET.



The reports come after seven months of negotiations, with British petrochemicals billionaire Jim Ratcliffe also in talks to buy the club.



Sharing the news via Twitter, the social media account of the Al-Watan newspaper said, “The success of Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Jassim’s acquisition” would be announced soon.



Fahad al-Emadi, editor of Al Watan newspaper, shared a similar message.



“All the news received indicates the success of Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Jassim’s acquisition of Manchester United, and the announcement of the deal will be very soon,” he said.



Zaid Al-Hamdan, chairman of Doha-headquartered political consultancy Aramsite Group, congratulated Sheikh Jassim shortly thereafter, despite the absence of an official announcement.



“Congratulations to Shaikh Jassim Bin Hamad Bin Jassim on his acquisition of @ManUtd,” Al-Hamdan said on Twitter.



The Glazer family, Manchester United’s American owners, announced the formal sale process late last year, saying in a Nov. 22 statement that the company’s board of directors would start exploring “strategic alternatives” for the club.



Sheikh Jassim on June 7 was reported to have submitted an improved fifth and final offer of around $6.3 billion for total control of Manchester United. Ratcliffe, meanwhile, was said to have wanted to purchase around 60% of the club.

107196916-1676693580855-gettyimages-109822847-63840101

Shares of Manchester United pop in premarket trade after Qatar media hints at takeover bid ‘success’

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="445" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/YH4D45N7D5N3HEI4GHUUFL5TGE-820x445.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-425145" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/YH4D45N7D5N3HEI4GHUUFL5TGE-820x445.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/YH4D45N7D5N3HEI4GHUUFL5TGE-300x163.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/YH4D45N7D5N3HEI4GHUUFL5TGE-160x87.jpg 160w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/YH4D45N7D5N3HEI4GHUUFL5TGE-768x417.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/YH4D45N7D5N3HEI4GHUUFL5TGE-1536x834.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/YH4D45N7D5N3HEI4GHUUFL5TGE-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">FILE PHOTO: The International Cricket Council (ICC) logo at the ICC headquarters in Dubai, October 31, 2010. REUTERS/Nikhil Monteiro/File Photo</figcaption></figure>



NEW DELHI, May 30 (Reuters)&nbsp;&#8211;&nbsp;Cricket&#8217;s cash-starved associate member nations fear the proposed new international revenue distribution model, which heavily favours the game&#8217;s superpowers, could potentially stall the growth of the game.



The International Cricket Council (ICC) has proposed a new revenue sharing model for the 2024-27 cycle to be voted on at its July board meeting in Durban.



According to figures leaked to Cricinfo, cricket&#8217;s financial engine India would alone claim 38.5%, primarily in recognition of its contribution to the commercial revenue pot.



The 12 full members of the ICC would collectively take 88.81% with the rest distributed among 94 associate members.



The ICC has not commented on the figures, though general manager Wasim Khan said on Monday all members would get more money under the proposed model than in the past.



Pakistan have already made clear their opposition to the model in its current shape and resentment is rumbling among other, less developed, cricketing nations.



Sumod Damodar, one of the three associate member representatives on the ICC Chief Executives&#8217; Committee, said the proposal would not meet the needs of associate members.



&#8220;If what is being proposed and discussed is likely to be the outcome then, as an associate member representative, I would be (disappointed),&#8221; he told Reuters.



&#8220;There are numerous practical reasons why it would be inadequate for associate members.&#8221;



Damodar, vice chairman of&nbsp;Botswana&#8217;s board, said associate members who have earned one-day international (ODI) status need more money to sustain their high-performance programmes, while the others need cash to bridge the gap.



Citing the rapid rise of Nepal in men&#8217;s cricket and Thailand in the women&#8217;s game, Damodar said more countries would step up if they were given the required financial support.



Vanuatu Cricket Association Chief Executive Tim Cutler said the proposed model would only accentuate the inequality between cricket&#8217;s haves and have-nots.



&#8220;The new model is now even more heavily weighted towards the bigger cricketing nations, and there is a risk that the proposed changes will exacerbate this imbalance, putting the future of the game at further risk,&#8221; Cutler told Reuters.



&#8220;The sad reality is, cricket will not grow beyond its current corners of the world &#8230; if the allocation of the game’s global funds aren&#8217;t more equally allocated with a view to actually growing the game.&#8221;



With full members having 12 of the 17 total votes on the ICC board, Cutler said diverting funds away from themselves, or making independent decisions for the good of the game, would be like &#8220;turkeys voting for Christmas&#8221;.



The ICC did not respond to a request for comment when asked about the concerns of the associate members.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stronger-and-richer">&#8216;STRONGER AND RICHER&#8217;</h2>



Former ICC&nbsp;President&nbsp;Ehsan Mani said there was a lack of vision at the governing body in its approach to developing cricketing nations, despite the huge commercial potential of some of them.



&#8220;One of the biggest risks for global cricket is its over-dependence on one country, India, for a major part of the revenues generated,&#8221; the former Pakistan Cricket Board chairman told Reuters.



&#8220;Countries like the USA and the Middle East and, in longer term, China would bring enormous benefits to the ICC, its members and the global game. World cricket would be stronger and richer for it.&#8221;



For Mani, India grabbing the lion&#8217;s share of ICC revenues &#8220;makes no sense&#8221; and he advocated equal shares for all full members.



&#8220;World cricket needs a strong West Indies, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan,&#8221; he added.



&#8220;Cricket in Zimbabwe has suffered due to lack of funds as have Ireland and Afghanistan. Lack of investment in some of these countries will make the game unsustainable and world cricket will be poorer for it.&#8221;



(Reporting by Amlan Chakraborty in New Delhi; editing by Nick Mulvenney and Peter Rutherford)

FILE PHOTO: ICC revenue model threatens growth of game, say associate members

ICC revenue model threatens growth of game, say associate members

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="547" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/LCZPGRKWCVM3LJZHCSCKTBIF5A-820x547.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-418919" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/LCZPGRKWCVM3LJZHCSCKTBIF5A-820x547.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/LCZPGRKWCVM3LJZHCSCKTBIF5A-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/LCZPGRKWCVM3LJZHCSCKTBIF5A-135x90.jpg 135w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/LCZPGRKWCVM3LJZHCSCKTBIF5A-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/LCZPGRKWCVM3LJZHCSCKTBIF5A-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/LCZPGRKWCVM3LJZHCSCKTBIF5A-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption>Soccer Football &#8211; Serie A &#8211; Empoli v Napoli &#8211; Stadio Carlo Castellani, Empoli, Italy &#8211; April 24, 2022 Napoli fans inside the stadium before the match REUTERS/Ciro De Luca</figcaption></figure>



Aug 3 (Reuters)&nbsp;&#8211;&nbsp;Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis said on Tuesday he would not sign African players any longer unless they agreed to not take part in the Africa Cup of Nations.



Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly &#8211; now at Premier League side Chelsea &#8211; and Cameroon midfielder Andre Zambo Anguissa missed several Napoli games while on international duty at this year&#8217;s AFCON, which took place between January and February.



&#8220;Or they sign a waiver giving up their right to participate to the Africa Cup of Nations tournaments or between AFCON and the championships in South America &#8230; I never have them (Napoli players) available,&#8221; he said in a Wall Street Italia talk show.



He criticised the fact that clubs were agreeing to more and more games, suggesting a European tournament with the top clubs from the strongest five countries instead of the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League.



&#8220;The world of football cannot self manage because we do the puppet show for others &#8230; if we could play 100 games, it would be a happy ending for everyone and we (clubs) like cretins agree to that.&#8221;



The Italian film producer also said he did not support the breakaway European Super League which folded less than 48 hours after it was announced last year as it was an elite club.



&#8220;You cannot create a super club of privileged members who invite others (to the league). You need to democratically keep the door open for everyone,&#8221; he said.



The Italian film producer added he was tired of offers from investment funds for the club, adding that he was offered 900 million euros around four to five years ago by American investors.



&#8220;You (bidders) did not understand a thing (about me). I am a pure entrepreneur who enjoys doing business &#8230; let me play,&#8221; he said.



&#8220;I want to be the 12th player on the pitch. Actually the 12th player is the fan, I can be the 13th or even the 14th, as 14 is my favourite number.&#8221;



(Reporting by Silvia Recchimuzzi in Gdansk; Editing by Stephen Coates)

Serie A – Empoli v Napoli

Napoli to sign African players only if they sign AFCON waiver, owner says

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="480" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Zambia-celeb-vs-Senegal-2022-Womens-Afcon.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-418449" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Zambia-celeb-vs-Senegal-2022-Womens-Afcon.jpg 800w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Zambia-celeb-vs-Senegal-2022-Womens-Afcon-300x180.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Zambia-celeb-vs-Senegal-2022-Womens-Afcon-150x90.jpg 150w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Zambia-celeb-vs-Senegal-2022-Womens-Afcon-768x461.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption>Photo: via Footy-GHANA.com</figcaption></figure>



CASABLANCA, July 13 (Reuters)&nbsp;&#8211;&nbsp;Morocco and Zambia both qualified for a first ever Women’s World Cup on Wednesday after winning their respective quarter-final matches at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.



The top four finishes at the tournament in Morocco will represent Africa at the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where the field has been expanded to 32 teams.



Zambia were first to snatch a ticket as they beat Senegal 4-2 on penalties in Casablanca. The two sides drew 1-1 after extra time.



Morocco then beat Botswana 2-1 in Rabat with defender Yasmin Mrabet heading home a 59th-minute winner



The other two places will be decided on Thursday when Nigeria, who have been to all eight previous Women’s World Cups, take on Cameroon in Casablanca, followed by South Africa against Tunisia in Rabat.



(Writing by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Toby Davis)

Zambia-celeb-vs-Senegal-2022-Womens-Afcon

Morocco, Zambia claim first two African places at Women’s World Cup

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="547" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/GettyImages-1402486840-820x547.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-417789" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/GettyImages-1402486840-820x547.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/GettyImages-1402486840-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/GettyImages-1402486840-135x90.jpg 135w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/GettyImages-1402486840-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/GettyImages-1402486840-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/GettyImages-1402486840-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption>BAKU, AZERBAIJAN &#8211; JUNE 12: Sergio Perez (#11) of Red Bull Racing and Mexico during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on June 12, 2022 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Aziz Karimov/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



LONDON, June 13 (Reuters)&nbsp;&#8211;&nbsp;Formula One boss Stefano Domenicali arrived in South Africa on Monday for talks that could see the country&#8217;s Kyalami circuit return to the grand prix calendar next year for the first time since 1993.



A Formula One spokesman confirmed Domenicali flew to South Africa after Sunday&#8217;s Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku.



The former Ferrari team boss, who took over at the helm of Formula One last year, will meet representatives of the circuit north of Johannesburg with the sport keen to do a deal.



Africa is the only continent other than Antarctica without a Formula One race and Domenicali, who represents commercial rights holders Liberty Media, has spoken of his desire to rectify that.



Chloe Targett-Adams, Formula One&#8217;s global director of race promotion, told a CSM-hosted webinar last week that Africa was a big strategic aim.



&#8220;It is the only continent we&#8217;re not in, it&#8217;s an unbelievable demographic in population and one that we&#8217;re very keen to bring more into the Formula One world,&#8221; she said. &#8220;So that&#8217;s very much in our sights.&#8221;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-read-more-nfl-league-to-hold-first-official-events-in-africa-including-talent-camp">Read more: <a href="e: NFL-League to hold first official events in Africa, including talent camp">NFL-League to hold first official events in Africa, including talent camp</a></h3>



South Africa was a regular round of the championship until 1985, when some teams and sponsors boycotted the race due to the country&#8217;s apartheid system of racial segregation.



The sport returned to Kyalami in 1992 and 1993 after apartheid had ended and Nelson Mandela, later to become the country&#8217;s first Black head of state, was released from prison.



Mercedes&#8217; seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton, the sport&#8217;s only Black driver, has also pushed for the return of an African race with his father Anthony involved at one point in a Cape Town project.



Financing a race deal has always been the ultimate stumbling block, however.



Talk has intensified recently of Kyalami returning on what would be a record calendar of 24 races next season, if China&#8217;s race in Shanghai is also re-instated after an absence due to COVID-19.



Formula One has already announced a new race in Las Vegas for 2023, joining U.S. rounds in Miami and Austin, while Qatar starts a new 10-year cycle after dropping off this year&#8217;s calendar due to the soccer World Cup.



Some European races, notably France&#8217;s round at Le Castellet, could miss out. A provisional calendar could be published by the August break.



(Reporting by Alan Baldwin; Editing by Christian Radnedge)

F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan

F1 boss in South Africa for 2023 grand prix talks

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="547" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/6Z3RCKRMPBLJ7M5KPAE3GT42JY-820x547.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-417693" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/6Z3RCKRMPBLJ7M5KPAE3GT42JY-820x547.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/6Z3RCKRMPBLJ7M5KPAE3GT42JY-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/6Z3RCKRMPBLJ7M5KPAE3GT42JY-135x90.jpg 135w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/6Z3RCKRMPBLJ7M5KPAE3GT42JY-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/6Z3RCKRMPBLJ7M5KPAE3GT42JY-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/6Z3RCKRMPBLJ7M5KPAE3GT42JY-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption>FILE PHOTO: Atlanta Falcons defensive linemen Corey Peters (L) and Osi Umenyiora (R) talk on the sideline during the second half of their NFL pre-season football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore, Maryland, August 15, 2013. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst</figcaption></figure>



June 7 (Reuters)&nbsp;&#8211;&nbsp;The National Football League (NFL) will hold its first official events in Africa later this month, as it works to build its international footprint.



The events will take place in Ghana and include a talent identification camp on June 21 and 22, with 40 players from across the continent expected to participate.



&#8220;This camp is not only giving opportunities to great African athletes, it is also highlighting the incredible African athletes already in the NFL,&#8221; said twice Super Bowl champion Osi Umenyiora, who will lead the program.



&#8220;The positive impact of this cannot be overstated.&#8221;



In December, the NFL awarded 18 franchises marketing rights to 26 international regions, as it looks to build fan bases abroad.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reutersconnect.com/all?search=all%3AL1N2T02NX&amp;linkedFromStory=true" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Read full story</a>



The Philadelphia Eagles, who were paired with Ghana as an &#8220;International Home Marketing Area&#8221;, will feature in events including an NFL Fan Zone on June 26.



(Reporting by Amy Tennery in New YorkEditing by Toby Davis)

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