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  • Norway takes back decision to boycott Qatar World Cup 2022

    Norway takes back decision to boycott Qatar World Cup 2022

    Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) on Sunday ruled out the decision of boycotting next year’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar, amid the pressure from grassroots activists over accusations of the mistreatment of migrant workers.

    As per reports, a congress was called by the federation to make a final decision in which 368 delegates voted for a motion rejecting a boycott while 121 were in favour.

    In addition to this, Sandvik, spokesman of the Norwegian Supporters Alliance (NSA), said the matches in Qatar will “unfortunately be like playing on a cemetery”.

    The movement was highlighted when the Norwegian professional football club, Tromsø IL, spoke out against the Gulf State. This year in March, Norwegian National Football players wore t-shirts with the slogan ‘Human rights, on and off the pitch’, as they were warming up before FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualification match.

    Norway is currently fourth in its World Cup qualifying group and hasn’t qualified for a major international Football competition since Euro 2000.

    It is to be noted that not only Norway but other European countries such as Germany and Netherlands have protested against the Gulf State.

    The major reason behind the boycott is that a media report published earlier this month alleged that approximately 6,500 migrant workers from South Asia had died in Qatar since 2010 when the country was awarded hosting rights of the 2022 tournament. In the past, there were also a lot of protests against harsh working conditions, especially during the summer, they are forced to work under the scorching sun.

    There is a lack of rights for migrant workers, who comprise about 95 percent of Qatar’s population, reports Al Jazeera.

  • ‘Match fixers should not be allowed to play again’: Abdul Razzaq

    ‘Match fixers should not be allowed to play again’: Abdul Razzaq

    Former cricketer Abdul Razzaq has said in an interview that match fixers should not be allowed to play for their teams again.

    On Geo News show, ‘Jashan-e-Cricket’, Shahzad Iqbal questioned if it is true that Razzaq had noticed Salman Butt’s incompetent performance in one of the matches, which was also mentioned in Shahid Afridi’s book.

    Razzaq said: “Shahid Afridi wrote in his book quoting Salman Butt, taking my name, I said that but there was no such thing. I said that in heat of the moment because I observed something, I just had some doubts,” added the all-rounder.

    Former cricketer and analyst, Sikandar Bakht asked Razzaq directly if the players who were involved in match-fixing should be allowed to play again. “No, in my point of view, they should not come back,” said Razzaq.

    Talking about captaincy, the host asked Razzaq why he was not given the captaincy in the national cricket team and why did the management not consider him for this role.

    Replying to Shahzad, he said: “It is a pity not to get the captaincy of the national cricket team even today because an all-rounder is a good captain.”

  • Ukraine’s Andriy Yarmolenko asks Coca-Cola and Heineken to contact him after Ronaldo, Locatelli’s snub

    Ukraine’s Andriy Yarmolenko asks Coca-Cola and Heineken to contact him after Ronaldo, Locatelli’s snub

    After Ukraine’s win against North Macedonia, footballer Andriy Yarmolenko mocked Cristiano Ronaldo in front of the media, and also took a chance to promote himself, asking Coca-Cola and Heineken to contact him.

    The Ukrainian player was in a funny mood after Ukraine’s 2-1 win against North Macedonia in their UEFA Euro 2020 Group C encounter, at Bucharest’s National Arena on Thursday. At his post-match press conference, the Ukrainian star took a dig at Ronaldo in front of the media, by putting both Coca-Cola and Heineken bottles in front of him.

    Earlier this week, the Portugal captain had hit the headlines when he removed two bottles of Coca-Cola out of the camera’s sight during a press conference. The Portuguese skipper had also asked the reporters to drink water instead.

    Read more – Italian footballer, Locatelli, latest player to snub Coca-Cola

    Yarmolenko scored a goal for the second consecutive game in Euro 2020, and also assisted against North Macedonia. He also scored in his side’s earlier 3-2 defeat to Netherlands. At his post-match press conference, the West Ham attacker cheekily mocked Ronaldo and even made an attempt to promote himself for potential sponsors.

    Can I do something? I’ve seen Ronaldo putting away Coca-Cola bottles recently”, he asked the reporters.
    He added, “I’ll put Coca-Cola here. I’ll put Heineken right here up front! Guys, contact me!”
    Earlier, France midfielder Paul Pogba had also displayed a similar approach as he picked up a Heineken beer bottle and placed it behind the news conference table.
    Meanwhile, UEFA had warned that the teams could be fined if they move drinks at Euro 2020 news conferences.

  • Meme fest begins after Cristiano Ronaldo removes Coca-Cola bottles

    Meme fest begins after Cristiano Ronaldo removes Coca-Cola bottles

    After Portugal superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo removed Coca-Cola bottles placed in front of him in a press conference, the company reportedly faced a huge loss.

    Soon after Cristiano Ronaldo’s Coca-Cola snub, netizens flooded the internet with hilarious memes and jokes.

    https://twitter.com/mediiahassan/status/1405340857876746244?s=20
    https://twitter.com/Extra_covers17/status/1405362998273658883?s=20

    Read More: Italian footballer, Locatelli, latest player to snub Coca-Cola

    After Ronaldo’s gesture, Coca-Cola was forced to release a statement saying: ‘Everyone is entitled to their drink preferences’ and that people have their ‘tastes and needs’.

    Even a Euro 2020 spokesperson addressed the chatter around the topic saying: “Players are offered water, alongside Coca-Cola and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, on arrival at our press conferences.”

    Meanwhile, the organizer, UEFA warned that the teams could be fined if they move drinks at Euro 2020 news conferences.

  • Italian footballer, Locatelli, latest player to snub Coca-Cola

    Italian footballer, Locatelli, latest player to snub Coca-Cola

    Italian footballer Manuel Locatelli is the latest footballer to snub Coca-Cola in a press conference.

    It’s been quite an intriguing journey for Coca-Cola, one of the sponsors of Euro 2020 tournament. After being snubbed by Cristiano Ronaldo at a press conference ahead of Portugal vs Hungary match, the soft drink company was subjected to a similar rejection by Italy’s midfielder.

    Locatelli arrived at the post-match news conference after producing a Man-of-the-Match performance against Switzerland in Italy’s 3-0 win. On spotting the two Coca-Cola bottles placed in front of him, the midfielder decided to remove them from the sight. Locatelli also chuckled a little as he took the bottles out of focus, aware of the stir such an act had created when Ronaldo had done the same a couple of days ago.

    The Italian midfielder, who scored two goals for Italy in the team’s second group-stage match, then picked up a water bottle and put it right in the middle, echoing Ronaldo’s sentiments that one should be drinking water over aerated drinks, but in a subtle manner.

    Earlier, Ronaldo’s Coca-Cola snub had hurt the beverage maker’s brand value quite significantly. It was reported that soon after the Portuguese footballer’s act, Coca-Cola’s stock prices crashed and the brand ended up losing a whopping USD 4 billion from its market value. As Ronaldo urged the world to adopt a healthier lifestyle, the move had huge repercussions.

    Ronaldo and Locatelli aren’t the only ones to snub an official sponsor of the European championships. France midfielder Paul Pogba displayed a similar approach as he picked up a Heineken beer bottle and placed it behind the news conference table.

    After Ronaldo’s gesture, Coca-Cola was forced to release a statement saying: ‘Everyone is entitled to their drink preferences’ and that people have their ‘tastes and needs’.

    Even a Euro 2020 spokesperson addressed the chatter around the topic saying: “Players are offered water, alongside Coca-Cola and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, on arrival at our press conferences.”

    Meanwhile, UEFA warned that the teams could be fined if they move drinks at Euro 2020 news conferences.

  • Shaheen Shah apologises after verbal spat with Sarfaraz Ahmed

    Shaheen Shah apologises after verbal spat with Sarfaraz Ahmed

    Lahore Qalandars’ pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has apologised after his verbal spat with Quetta Gladiators’ skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed during Tuesday’s Pakistan Super League (PSL) season six clash.

    Taking to Twitter, Shaheen wrote he always had respect for Champions Trophy-winning skipper. “Saifi Bhai is the pride of all of us. He was and will always remain a captain for me. Whatever happened in the game that day was the heat of the moment. I should have stayed quiet in respect of him. I have always respected my seniors and pray and wish the best for Sarfaraz Bhai,” he penned.

    Words were exchanged between Sarfaraz and Shaheen after the pacer hit the Quetta skipper on his helmet with a bouncer, during the first innings. It sparked controversy on media. Cricketers and people criticised the young bowler for disrespecting the senior wicket-keeper batter.

    Senior cricketer Mohammad Hafeez also lauded the pacer for his apology, saying: “Shabash. Stay blessed.”

    Replying to Shaheen on Twitter, Sarfaraz wrote: “It’s all good bro. Whatever happened in the field, it should stay in the field,” adding, “You are the star of Pakistan too. May Allah give you more success in life.”

    “You are little brother to me. All is well,” added Sarfaraz.

    It is pertinent to mention here that the Gladiators got eliminated from the tournament after they were beaten by Multan Sultans with the historic margin of 110 runs.

  • Cristiano Ronaldo removes Coca-Cola bottles at Euro 2020 presser, prefers water

    Cristiano Ronaldo removes Coca-Cola bottles at Euro 2020 presser, prefers water

    Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo removed Coca-Cola bottles placed in front of him in a pre-match Euro 2020 press conference on Monday before holding up a bottle of water to the room and declaring people should drink water instead.

    Read more – Eriksen collapses during Denmark’s Euro 2020 match against Finland

    Then, for dramatic effect, he rolled his eyes and said with borderline disgust, “Coca-Cola”.

    The brand is an official sponsor of the tournament, but as Ronaldo took his seat in front of reporters, he almost immediately looked uncomfortable.

    https://twitter.com/goal/status/1404716751988928515?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1404716751988928515%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fd-3752715264888482453.ampproject.net%2F2106030132000%2Fframe.html

    Ronaldo is not just health-obsessed but has previously revealed that it irritates him when his son drinks fizzy drinks.

    Ronaldo is one of the most supremely fit footballer even at the age of 36 years. Heading into his 50th Euro Championship, Ronaldo still remains one of the most feared strikers in the world.

    Meanwhile, Portugal begin their play in Group F on Tuesday against Hungary before facing Germany on Saturday and France next Wednesday.

  • Hasan Ali’s personal issue resolved, available for rest of PSL 2021

    Hasan Ali’s personal issue resolved, available for rest of PSL 2021

    Islamabad United have received a boost in their challenge for the PSL title this season with the news that fast bowler Hasan Ali will, after all, be available for the rest of their campaign. Ali was due to fly back on Sunday evening to attend to a personal family situation in Pakistan but decided against it after the matter was resolved.

    “I was going through a personal family issue, which has been resolved thanks to my wonderful wife,” Ali said in a statement. “She assured me she will take care of it and wants me to concentrate on my cricket and my career. Hats off to such a wonderful partner. She has always stood by me through the hardest times and after consulting with her, I have decided to stay on with Islamabad United for the remainder of the PSL 6.”

    Two-time winners United moved to the top of the table on Sunday evening after a convincing win over Lahore Qalandars. United were 20 for 5 at one point before recovering to 152 for 7, thanks to 75 from Asif Ali and 49 from Iftikhar Ahmed. Their bowlers then blew apart Qalandars as Musa Khan, Shadab Khan and Fawad Ahmed induced a collapse from 86 for 2 to 100 for 9.

    Despite missing a game, Ali is United’s top wicket-taker this season – and fifth in the league – with 10 wickets. His PSL returns have been in line with his performances since he returned to cricket this season after a series of injuries derailed his career.

    Since Ali didn’t leave the bubble, he will not need to re-enter and undergo quarantine. United are scheduled to face defending champions Karachi Kings on Monday.

  • Eriksen collapses during Denmark’s Euro 2020 match against Finland

    Eriksen collapses during Denmark’s Euro 2020 match against Finland

    Denmark star Christian Eriksen collapsed on the field in the first half of his team game against Finland at Euro 2020 on Saturday in Copenhagen.

    Eriksen was walking alone near the sideline of the ground in the 42nd minute when he stumbled and then fall forward.

    His teammates immediately sensed trouble, rushing to him and waving frantically for trainers to come to his aid.

    Eriksen’s teammates, some of them in tears, then formed a circled to shield him as the medical team tried to resuscitate Eriksen with CPR and a defibrillator on the field.

    This went on for nearly 20 minutes before Eriksen was transferred to a stretcher and was carried off the field.

    The match was initially suspended but later it was decided that it would resume.

    Eriksen was taken to a hospital and is said to be stable now.

    “Our thoughts and prayers are with Christian Eriksen and his family,” Cristiano Ronaldo said on Instagram. “The world of football stands together hoping for good news. I’m counting on finding you soon back on the pitch, Chris! Stay strong!”

    Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza was also heartbroken to know about this incident.

    As per reports, Eriksen had a Facetime call with his teammates from the hospital and asked them to play the game tonight, as “he feels better now.”

  • VIDEO: Parachutist lands on pitch during soccer match

    VIDEO: Parachutist lands on pitch during soccer match

    A parachutist landed in the middle of a football pitch during a soccer match in Poland.

    Video doing rounds on social media shows the man lands on the half-way line on the pitch wearing a black and green jumpsuit.

    The players from Olimpia Elbag and PISA Primavera Barczewo stopped the match while the referee amused the crowd by showing the parachutist a yellow card. 

    Read More: Man kills co-worker with slap in face

    A man then rushed onto the pitch and helped the parachutist with the fall. The game continued after the intruder with the help of the staff gathered up his parachute and left the field.