COVID-19 cases continue to drop in Saudi Arabia

China reports almost 60,000 COVID-related deaths

Pentagon drops COVID-19 vaccine mandate for troops

China suspends social media accounts of COVID policy critics

Saudi delegates at World Economic Forum discuss Kingdoms development and growth

Saudi Fund for Development highlights achievements at African South-South forum

Replace Chris Wood in transfer window or miss out on trophies, Eddie Howe warns Newcastle owners

Air India fined over passengers mid-air urination scandal

Palestinian killed after allegedly trying to stab Israeli

Egypt receives first Chinese tourists since COVID-19

Kendall Jenner, Jay Z celebrate opening of Atlantis The Royal in Dubai

Kendall Jenner, Jay Z celebrate opening of Atlantis The Royal in Dubai

Lebanon stripped of voting rights at UN over unpaid annual dues

Canada to repatriate 19 women, children from Syria

Voeller to be German team director after World Cup disaster

Voeller to be German team director after World Cup disaster

Voeller to be German team director after World Cup disaster

The German soccer federation appointed former Germany coach Rudi Voeller as the national teamâs new sporting director on Jan. 19, 2023. (AP/File)

Voeller to be German team director after World Cup disaster

Voellers job would be to lay the foundations for a successful home European Championship in 2024

The 1990 world champion will take over the role for the senior mens team on February 1

BERLIN: Former German international Rudi Voeller will take over as director for the mens national team, the German Football Association said Thursday, following a disastrous World Cup campaign in Qatar.

Voellers job would be to lay the foundations for a successful home European Championship in 2024, which will be hosted in Germany, he said in a statement.

The four-time winners crashed out in the group stages of the World Cup for the second time in a row, leading team director Oliver Bierhoff to step aside in December.

Voeller will take over the role for the senior mens team on February 1.

The former Internationals appointment came at the suggestion of a task force established by the DFB in December, which included Voeller himself.

With Rudi Voeller, we have found the ideal person for the next 20 months, DFB president Bernd Neuendorf said in a statement.

A prolific goalscorer in his playing days, and later coach, Voeller enjoys a cult-like status in Germany.

The striker scored 47 goals in 90 games for West Germany and Germany, eight of which came at World Cup level.

Voeller lifted the World Cup with Germany in 1990, winning a late penalty as his side triumphed 1-0 over Argentina.

He went on to coach the national side, taking them to the 2002 World Cup final, losing 2-0 to Brazil.

Voeller also worked as a sporting director, helping establish Bayer Leverkusen as one of the countrys biggest clubs during two stints with the side.

Hansi Flick staying as Germany coach despite World Cup flop

Germany can win World Cup, says Bierhoff

Replace Chris Wood in transfer window or miss out on trophies, Eddie Howe warns Newcastle owners

Replace Chris Wood in transfer window or miss out on trophies, Eddie Howe warns Newcastle owners

Replace Chris Wood in transfer window or miss out on trophies, Eddie Howe warns Newcastle owners

The head coach insists the well-used striker must be replaced before Jan. 31

NEWCASTLE: Eddie Howe has sent the Newcastle United owners a January transfer window warning following the departure of Chris Wood.

The head coach insists the well-used striker must be replaced before Jan. 31 if the Magpies are to maintain their charge in the Carabao Cup and Premier League.

On Friday, Wood left St. James Park just 12 months after signing. The New Zealander was a winter-window buy last year, seen very much as a forward to help the Magpies pull away from the bottom end of the top flight.

And having more than served his purpose, as well as dropping to third choice behind Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson, the veteran frontman has signed a six-month loan with Nottingham Forest, which has an obligatory buy clause inserted for the end of the campaign.

It is understood that United will recoup about $18 million of the $31 million they shelled out in 2022, as well as a substantial loan fee and his wages covered in full.

Howe said: Hes been a huge player for us. He has been outstanding in every way.

When we signed him, we were in a very difficult league position and he played a huge part on the pitch to help transform the team. This season, hes been excellent both on and off the pitch in terms of his leadership and positivity, even when hes not played. We cant underestimate the role hes played. It was a difficult decision because you have to take into account the player and his wishes. But also, I think its a very good deal financially for the football club.

On dipping into the market for replacements, Howe had this message for the clubs owners: Were hopefully planning to replace him. Certainly from my side, there was no thought of letting a player go and not replace him because I think that would leave us dangerously short of players but there are no guarantees.

I dont think well necessarily replace Chris with another Chris if that makes sense. His type of player, I dont necessarily think is in the market. His unique skills that he has, I think we needed that this time last year. He was a focal point for us, he enabled us to play in a way that I thought took the pressure off the players at that time, he brought other players into play and made them look better. Were not necessarily looking at that type of player in the market. Well see what we can do with 11 days to go. Its not long, but its got to be the right player. Thats always so important in any transfer deal we have to do.

We do have a pool of players that we like. Lets see how we go.

Meanwhile, in shock injury news, the Magpies are set to see Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes return to action this weekend, despite fears that his ankle injury could keep him out for weeks.

The 25-year-old left the field in tears midway through the 1-0 Premier League win over Fulham last weekend. However, he has traveled with the squad for this weekends game at Crystal Palace, Arab News understands.

Elsewhere, Newcastle have confirmed Loris Karius will remain with the club until the end of the 2022/23 season. The German goalkeeper initially joined the Magpies on a short-term deal in September 2022 with an option to extend his stay until June 2023.

The 29-year-old, who represented Stuttgart and Manchester City at youth level, has previously played for Mainz, Liverpool, Besiktas and Union Berlin.

Newcastle fans can help Bruno Guimaraes put World Cup disappointment behind him, says Eddie Howe

Eddie Howe and Newcastle United chiefs hold transfer summit in Riyadh

Without Curry, Warriors make 23 3-pointers and beat Cavs

Without Curry, Warriors make 23 3-pointers and beat Cavs

Without Curry, Warriors make 23 3-pointers and beat Cavs

Warriors coach Steve Kerr rested Curry along with fellow first-teamers Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins following Golden States stinging 3-point overtime loss Thursday night in Boston

CLEVELAND, Ohio: The shots splashed through the net like they almost always do for the Golden State Warriors.

However, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson didnt launch any.

Jordan Poole scored 32 points, Ty Jerome added 22 and the Warriors dropped 23 3-pointers while Curry and three other starters sat on the bench in a 120-114 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night.

Poole (5) and Jerome (3) combined for eight 3-pointers as the defending NBA champs ended a five-game trip with an improbable win.

We kind of hung on for dear life down the stretch, but got it done, Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. It was just one of those nights. You play 82 games, so you know youre going to have a few of these.

Following Golden States stinging three-point overtime loss Thursday night in Boston, Kerr rested Curry along with fellow first-teamers Thompson, Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins.

It didnt matter. Even with their top players on the bench in street clothes, the short-handed Warriors came out firing and barely slowed down.

The biggest thing is, even without our guys, we expect to win, said Jerome, who is on a two-way contract with Golden State and Santa Cruz. Everyone that played was good tonight and thats awesome for us.

Darius Garland scored 31 points to lead the Cavs, who were without star Donovan Mitchell because of a strained groin and suffered their most embarrassing loss this season. Caris LeVert added 22 points and Evan Mobley 17 for Cleveland.

Afterward, Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff didnt mince words in describing his teams dismal performance.

We didnt respect the game. Its that simple, he said. Theyve got champions over there, and we thought some of those guys were out so we were going to take it lightly and we got what we deserved.

Golden State made a season-high 14 3-pointers in the first half tying the most ever by a Cavs opponent for a half to take a 64-59 halftime lead.

Although Bickerstaff stressed limiting Golden States outside attack at halftime, his team didnt get the message as the Warriors made five 3s in the first five minutes to open a 20-point lead.

The Cavs, who have 11 comeback wins when trailing by double digits, fought back and pulled within 114-110. But Jerome dropped the Warriors final 3-pointer with 1:39 left.

Theyre good basketball players, and if youre going to disrespect them, theyre going to make you pay, Bickerstaff said. We came out of the gate soft and disrespectful and they were out there shooting warmup shots with no contest, no challenges, nobody in their space and they gave us what we deserved.

Kerr has an emotional attachment to Cleveland.

He played in the city from 1989-92 and his oldest son was born here. Its also where he won NBA titles as a coach in 2015 and 2018 as the Warriors and Cavs met four straight times in the finals.

This building will always be special for us, he said. Just coming in here, feeling the vibe, feeling the juice from those days. They were incredible games. Just an amazing rivalry, two great teams. The level of play was just so high. I will always think of those Finals when I come in here.

Warriors:Donte DiVincenzo added 17 points and Kevin Looney had 17 rebounds. ... Golden State opened 7 of 8 on 3-pointers. ... The 23-year-old Poole reached 500 career 3-pointers, surpassing Thompson as the youngest player in team history to reach the plateau. ... F Jonathan Kuminga (right foot sprain) returned after missing eight games and scored 10. F JaMychal Green (right lower leg infection) saw his first action in 15 games and had 13 points.

Cavaliers:G Ricky Rubio got the night off as part of the maintenance plan for him after returning from knee surgery. Hes averaging 5.3 points and 13.1 minutes in four games back. ... Mobley is one of three players averaging 14.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.0 blocked shots while shooting better than 50.0 percent from the field. 76ers C Joel Embiid and Lakers C Anthony Davis are the others. Cavs assistant coach Luke Walton went 39-4 as Golden States acting head coach in 2015-2016 while Kerr recovered from back surgery.

Cavaliers: Host Milwaukee on Saturday night.

Celtics down Warriors in NBA Finals rematch, Bulls shine in Paris

Warriors beat Spurs before NBA-record 68,323 at Alamodome

Incredible Odegaard fulfils potential to fuel Arsenal title bid

Incredible Odegaard fulfils potential to fuel Arsenal title bid

Incredible Odegaard fulfils potential to fuel Arsenal title bid

Handed the Arsenal captaincy before this season, Odegaard has emerged as one of the central figures in the teams surge to the top of the English Premier League

LONDON: Martin Odegaard is leading Arsenals unexpected charge toward the Premier League title as the Norway midfielder finally fulfils the potential he showed as a teenage wonderkid.

When table-toppers Arsenal host Manchester United on Sunday, Odegaard will be center stage in the kind of glamor fixture that was supposed to be his birthright.

Hailed as the most gifted teenager of his generation, Odegaard made his senior debut for Stromsgodset in 2014 at the age of 15 and became Norways youngest-ever player later that year.

He chose Spanish giants Real Madrid from a host of suitors in 2015 and became the youngest player in the clubs history, aged 16 years and 157 days.

But he struggled to live up to the hype in the unforgiving Madrid glare and was sent out on loan a number of times.

Those spells in relative obscurity at Heerenveen, Vitesse Arnhem and Real Sociedad suggested Odegaard might not fulfil his early promise but he was thrust back into the spotlight when Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta took him on loan for the second half of the 2020/21 season.

Even then, Reals decision to sell him to the Gunners for about 30 million ($37 million) in 2021 was interpreted as evidence he would not make the grade at the highest level.

But with his career in need of a major reset, Odegaard has seized his chance in the Premier League.

Handed the Arsenal captaincy by Arteta before this season, Odegaard has rewarded his managers faith, emerging as one of the central figures in their surge to the top of the Premier League.

The 24-year-old has already scored eight goals and provided five assists in 17 league games this season.

To put Odegaards breakthrough campaign into perspective, he finished last season with seven goals and four assists in the league.

Odegaard, who won the Premier Leagues player of the month award for November and December, impressed Arteta with his masterclass in last Sundays 2-0 win at north London rivals Tottenham.

Especially in the first half, I think he was incredible, he said. Hes really showing a different kind of presence.

Its the way hes influencing the game, just the feeling, the way he moves. What he transmits on the pitch is different. Its a big credit to him.

Previously a low-key personality on the pitch, Odegaard has embraced the captaincy, growing into a more vocal and demonstrative presence.

Emphasising the point, Odegaard put Arsenal in control at Tottenham with a fine long-range goal late in the first half.

And, as Tottenham fans seethed, Odegaard showed his new-found confidence as he celebrated with a basketball style jump-shot celebration alongside team-mate Bukayo Saka.

The seeds of Odegaards renaissance were planted months ago during in-depth talks with Arsenals coaching staff about his mental approach.

Its about how we play and my role in the team and my focus. Ive worked on it a lot, he said.

Ive talked a lot with the coaches about getting into the right areas of the field. Its a lot about the mindset. Its nice that hard work pays off.

From the ashes of their collapse to a fifth-place finish last term, Odegaard and company are chasing Arsenals first title since 2004.

That would be a fairytale ending to an incredible season, a campaign that former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand said could climax with Odegaard being crowned player of the year.

Do you know, what I like about Odegaard is his journey. He was a child superstar at 16, bought by Real Madrid, everyone was saying this kids the next big thing, Ferdinand told Vibe with Five.

Hes had trials and tribulations. He might not be the guy he is now without that part of his history.

Id go as far as to say right now, hes probably my player of the year.

Odegaard leads Arsenal to top of the Premier League

Top European clubs eye Norwegian teenager Odegaard

Ronaldo vs. Messi just the start for Saudis

Ronaldo vs. Messi just the start for Saudis

Ronaldo vs. Messi just the start for Saudis

This is a big match but ... this is nothing (compared to) what will happen with Vision 2030, says Al-Sheikh

RIYADH:A showdown between two of the worlds greatest footballers provided an entertaining spectacle in Riyadh but Saudi Arabia will not stop there.

Deafening fireworks closed Thursdays exhibition between Lionel Messis Paris Saint-Germain and a composite team led by Saudi Pro League new arrival Cristiano Ronaldo, won 5-4 by the visitors.

The friendly had all the trimmings of a major fixture, complete with VAR, flame-throwers, tickertape and a medal presentation in front of more than 60,000 fans at the venerable King Fahd Stadium.

But the Kingdom is already promising more with a World Cup and Summer Olympics, perhaps even a Winter Olympics, already in its sights, together with a swathe of other major events.

This is a big match but ... this is nothing (compared to) what will happen with Vision 2030, said Turki Al-Sheikh, head of the General Entertainment Authority, referring to Saudi Arabias ambitious development plan.

Just five years after allowing its first non-Muslim tourists and letting women drive, Saudi Arabia is attempting to open up its conservative, long-cloistered society to the world.

The worlds biggest oil exporter has thrown hundreds of millions at sports deals including Ronaldos capture, F1 in Jeddah and the lucrative LIV Golf tour.

In coming years the Saudis, who watched as neighbors Qatar hosted the World Cup in November and December, will hold the mens and womens Asian Cup, the Olympic-sized Asian Games and even the Asian Winter Games on artificial snow.

Just five years after allowing its first non-Muslim tourists and letting women drive, Saudi Arabia is attempting to open up its conservative, long-cloistered society to the world.

It is all part of grand plans by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to modernize the Saudi economy and remove its reliance on oil before the world moves on to other fuels.

My leader will surprise Saudis with much more things, Al-Sheikh told AFP, referring to the crown prince.

We are ready to fulfill his demands at any time. But whats coming is much greater.

Saudi Arabia is discussing a joint bid for the 2030 World Cup with Egypt and Greece, while last year its sports minister told AFP that hosting the Olympics was the ultimate goal.

Its biggest coup so far was Ronaldos signing by Al-Nassr for more than €200 million, plus a separate 200 million deal to promote the World Cup bid, according to a source close to the club.

The shock transfer of the 37-year-old Portuguese has triggered speculation that Messi, who plays for Qatar-owned PSG but is a paid Saudi tourism ambassador, could join him in the Pro League.

Ronaldos transfer is just the beginning, said Danyel Reiche, a visiting associate professor at Georgetown University Qatar.

Regardless of whether Messi will go to Saudi, we will see more superstars moving to Saudi Arabia.

In Saudi Arabia, its part of a wider approach of opening up society rather than distracting from human rights violations, Reiche said.

They recognize they cant rely on military and political power, they have to have soft power, he added, saying Thursdays game sent a very strong message.

This is something that is noticed in the entire world. By having such a game, its also like look how were changing.

PSG, Lionel come out on top in Messi v. Ronaldo Riyadh battle

Saudi businessman wins Ronaldo-Messi ticket with $2.6m bid

Medvedev latest to exit Australian Open but Swiatek charges on

Medvedev latest to exit Australian Open but Swiatek charges on

Medvedev latest to exit Australian Open but Swiatek charges on

MELBOURNE:Daniil Medvedev on Friday became the latest title contender to crash out of the mens draw at the Australian Open, but Iga Swiatek led a charge of the womens seeds into the last 16.

Russias Medvedev was runner-up at the last two Grand Slams in Melbourne but his tournament ended with a whimper in round three at the hands of Sebastian Korda.

The American, son of 1998 Australian Open champion Petr Korda, won 7-6 (9/7), 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) as seventh seed Medvedev followed defending champion Rafael Nadal and Casper Ruud in exiting in the first week.

Korda, who faces 10th seed Hubert Hurkacz of Poland next, told Rod Laver Arena: An unbelievable match.

I sort of knew what I had to do and I stuck with it even when I was going up and down with the emotions.

Im thrilled right now, I played amazing, said the 22-year-old.

With world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz not involved because of injury, Medvedevs surprise defeat to the 29th seed is another boost to nine-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic.

The hot favorite, who is nursing a hamstring problem, plays 27th seed Grigor Dimitrov on Saturday.

Stefanos Tsitsipas is now the highest remaining seed at three and the Greek star stretched his unbeaten streak this year to set up a last-16 clash with Italian Jannik Sinner.

The 24-year-old Tsitsipas, who is yet to drop a set, clinched his seventh straight win of 2023 by beating Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor 6-2, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3.

Tsitsipas is refusing to get carried away as he chases a first major title.

There are no presents, he warned. You should be going after it, you should be creating those opportunities and aiming big within yourself, sometimes surpass your own abilities.

Also into the last 16 are sixth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime and 18th seed Karen Khachanov.

The Russian defeated 16th-seeded American Frances Tiafoe in four sets.

In the womens draw, world No. 1 Swiatek and the Americans Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula were all emphatic winners.

Swiatek, a three-time major winner but chasing a first Australian Open title, swatted aside qualifier Cristina Bucsa of Spain6-0, 6-1 in just 55 minutes.

The Pole faces Elena Rybakina next after the Wimbledon champion defeated last years Melbourne runner-up Danielle Collins in three sets.

For sure shes very strong physically and mentally, Moscow-born Kazakh Rybakina said, sizing up Polands Swiatek.

I will have to take all my chances. I think Iga is a great player.

The 18-year-old Gauff stepped up her bid for a maiden major title with a similarly ruthless 6-3, 6-2 victory over fellow American Bernarda Pera.

The talented teenager faces the 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia in the last 16.

Third seed Pegula, who is also chasing a first Grand Slam crown, made light work of Marta Kostyuk with a 6-0, 6-2 victory.

The 28-year-old next faceswhat should be a sterner test in Barbora Krejcikova of the Czech Republic, the former French Open champion.

Two-time former Melbourne champion Victoria Azarenka stayed alive with a 1-6, 6-2, 6-1 triumph over Madison Keys.

Off the court, Australian Open chief Craig Tiley insisted there was no need to alter the scheduling, despite stinging criticism after the second-latest finish at a Grand Slam ever.

Veteran Andy Murray battled through a five-set epic against home hope Thanasi Kokkinakis which ended at 4:05 am on Friday, calling the early hours conclusion a bit of a farce.

Tiley defended the schedule, saying such late matches did not happen often, after Murrays brother Jamie a doubles specialist playing at Melbourne Park was among those calling for only one night match at majors.

If you just put one match at night and theres an injury, you dont have anything for fans or broadcasters, said Tiley.

Korda of US stops 2-time Australian Open runner-up Medvedev

Nadal begins Open defense, Swiatek targets maiden Melbourne title

Saudi delegates at World Economic Forum discuss Kingdoms development and growth

Saudi Fund for Development highlights achievements at African South-South forum

Replace Chris Wood in transfer window or miss out on trophies, Eddie Howe warns Newcastle owners

Air India fined over passengers mid-air urination scandal

Palestinian killed after allegedly trying to stab Israeli

Global energy crisis is a management issue, says Crescent Enterprises CEO Badr Jafar

Public-private cooperation key to overcoming multiple global crises, says WEF panel

Saudi bid for Expo 2030 an investment in the future of our citizens, residents and visitors, RCRC chief tells Davos