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Al-Ittihad officially recalls Farha Al-Shamrani and Talal Haji from their Riyadh loan. The move comes at coach Sergio Conceicao's request to bolster attack and midfield. The recall is enabled by a contractual clause in their loans. Al-Ittihad sits sixth in the Saudi Pro League with 23 points ahead of Week 14 as they prepare to face Al-Kholoud.
The Saudi Football Federation addresses the ruling from the Saudi Sports Arbitration Center regarding the Super Cup crisis won by Al Ahli. Al Ahli Jeddah defeated Al Nassr in the final after Al Hilal withdrew. The federation pledges full implementation of the decision with a focus on governance and transparency. The arbitration outcome imposes penalties on Al Hilal, including a ban from the next edition and financial charges shared between the club and the federation.
Fabio Wardley, the reigning WBO heavyweight champion, welcomes a potential title defense against Tyson Fury as Fury makes his comeback. The belt's future arose after Usyk relinquished it to pursue a mandatory defense. Fury’s return puts Wardley among the leading opponents for 2026, with the champion stressing readiness for big fights and openness to negotiations. A possible British clash with Derek Chisora is also floated as a high-stakes option for the year ahead.
Barcelona crushed Athletic Bilbao 5-0 in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final in Saudi Arabia. Hansi Flick, Barca's German coach, dodged a probing question about watching Real Madrid, joking that he couldn't confirm. Rafinha scored twice, while Flick praised his professionalism and Barca's defensive solidity. The win underscored Barca's strong performance and confidence heading into the final.
Manchester City and Brighton played to a 1-1 draw, with Erling Haaland’s early penalty being answered by Kaoru Mitoma. A heated exchange between Pep Guardiola and Brighton’s Fabian Horzelr erupted after a VAR decision, adding drama to the Premier League night. The clash also featured a knee-to-knee moment near half-time and left Guardiola visibly furious. An entertaining blend of football and theatre, with a dash of VAR controversy.
Manchester United, now under interim manager Darren Fletcher, faced Burnley at Turf Moor in the 21st Premier League round. An early own goal by United’s 19-year-old Aiden Heven gave Burnley the lead. Heven became the youngest United player to score an own goal in the Premier League. United fought back but could not clinch the win, finishing 2-2 in Fletcher's first game in charge.
Verona earned a dramatic 2-2 draw with Napoli at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium in Serie A. Napoli squandered several chances as they failed to convert a home advantage. Rasmus Höjlund was a standout, but VAR drama stole the headlines. Napoli remain third on 38 points, while Verona sit 18th with 13 points.
Raja Casablanca announces the signing of Aymen Barkouk, a Moroccan international, during the winter transfer window. The club posted footage of the signing but did not disclose contract terms, noting it was a free transfer from Schalke. Barkouk, 28, arrives after a long German Bundesliga career. He has 18 caps for Morocco and is expected to bolster Raja’s midfield with European experience.
Nico Williams was left out of Athletic Bilbao’s starting lineup for the semi-final against Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia. The decision comes amid a mild groin discomfort. Ernesto Valverde indicated Williams could come on in the second half if needed. The match airs via the Eight app, with Bilbao aiming to upset Barça in a high-stakes cup duel.
Chelsea suffer a major setback as Mark Kokurila is sent off against Fulham at Craven Cottage. The dismissal, early in the match, triggers protests and shapes the balance of the game. Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer pick up yellow cards, while Fulham's manager Marco Silva gets booked for arguing. Opta stats highlight Chelsea's struggles this season as they chase a return to winning form.
Barcelona dismantled Athletic Bilbao 4-0 at halftime in a Spanish Super Cup semi-final staged in Saudi Arabia. Ferran Torres opened the scoring, followed by Fermin López, Rony Bardji, and Rafinha in a blistering 16-minute burst. Opta confirms it as a record—Barça's four goals before the break in a semi-final. The winner will meet the victor of Real Madrid vs Atlético Madrid in the final.
Pep Guardiola has made his stance clear: Manuel Akanji will remain with Inter Milan for now. City injuries, including a knock to Josko Gavardiol, fueled talk of recalling the defender, but the January window will pass without him. The loan deal reportedly lacks a buy-back clause, ensuring Inter can keep Akanji for the season. Akanji’s performances remain crucial for Inter’s plans as they navigate the rest of the campaign.
FIFA introduces an AI-powered system using 3D player avatars to simulate offsides at World Cup 2026. The technology will be used for 1,248 players across 48 teams, replacing traditional dummies and semi-automatic reviews. The goal is more realistic offside calls and fewer debates. Fans can expect clearer visuals and faster, cleaner decisions.
Marseille has reached an agreement with Algerian midfielder Himad Abdeli, currently at Angers, to sign him in the winter window, pending financial conditions. The deal spans five years and is driven by the club’s sporting project, with input from coach Roberto De Zerbi. Abdeli has told Lyon and Sevilla of his preference for Marseille, and the transfer hinges on Marseille balancing its books. He shines for Algeria at AFCON 2025, boosting his profile ahead of the move.
French driver Isaac Hajar joins Red Bull for 2026, eager to share the track with Max Verstappen. He reflects on Red Bull's legacy and Verstappen's insatiable hunger for victory, while acknowledging the big technical rule changes ahead. Preseason testing kicks off in late January in Barcelona and continues in Bahrain before the season starts. The move marks a new chapter in a team known for producing champions, and Hajar promises hard work and curiosity as he steps into the spotlight.
Erling Haaland delivered a historic moment for Manchester City by scoring against Brighton. He opened the scoring from a penalty at the Etihad in a Premier League clash. Haaland's 150th goal came in 173 appearances, placing him among City’s all-time greats. The milestone coincides with the Premier League's 35,000th goal, marking a landmark season for City’s prolific striker.
Egypt head into the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals against Ivory Coast after a 3-1 win over Benin. Ivory Coast reached the last eight with a 3-0 victory over Burkina Faso. Mohand Lasheen returns to training, while Mohamed Hamdi faces ACL surgery and Mahmoud 'Trezeguet' begins rehabilitation. A semifinal spot hinges on a strong performance in the upcoming clash.
Napoli battled back from two goals down to draw with Verona in a dramatic Serie A clash. Giovanni Di Lorenzo struck late to rescue a point, extending his team's momentum. Opta stats highlight his rare feat among Europe’s top defenders. The result leaves Napoli third, chasing Inter at the summit.
Manchester City hosted Brighton at the Etihad in a Premier League fixture from week 22. Haaland saved a Brighton penalty and then scored in the 41st minute to put City ahead. Jérémy Doku earned a City penalty after a clash with Pascal Groß, which Haaland converted. The goal took Haaland to 20 league goals this season, and City noted he has 150 goals in 173 appearances for the club, the fastest to reach that mark in Premier League history. The win keeps City in control, while Brighton leave with a narrow defeat.
A packed Thursday line-up features Spanish and French cup semifinals, a high-stakes Premier League clash, and hot Serie A and Saudi Pro League pairings. The piece highlights where to watch, who will comment, and how to catch all the action across multiple apps and networks. It also provides a concise schedule so fans can plan their viewing without juggling remotes and VPNs. Spoiler alert: VAR will probably make an appearance, and so will a few dramatic late goals. Humour included, of course.
