News

Jordan Henderson Completes Free-transfer Switch to BrentfordLondon, 15 Jul (ONA) —- England midfielder Jordan Henderson has completed his free-transfer switch to Brentford. The former Liverpool title-winning captain, 35, has agreed a two-year contract in west London. New Bees boss Keith Andrews moved for Henderson after losing Danish midfielder Christian Norgaard to Arsenal. Henderson, who has 84 England caps and was recently recalled by Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel, was a free agent after leaving Ajax in the summer. He spent 12 years with Liverpool before a move to Saudi Arabia ...

Alonso Announces Real 'restart from zero' after PSG DefeatNew Jersey, 10 Jul (ONA) —- New Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso has insisted that his real work at the club only starts now. Speaking after a comprehensive 4-0 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semi-finals, Alonso announced "a restart from zero." Alonso took over from Carlo Ancelotti just before the tournament in the United States with no time to implement his ideas. "We are in a competitive environment here, without proper training," Alonso said. He added, "It's the end of this season and not the start ...

Argentina Stay Top in FIFA RankingsZurich, 10 Jul (ONA) —- World champions Argentina maintained first place in the men's world football rankings in the latest list issued on today by the ruling body FIFA. Argentina lead the way from European champions Spain and France in an unchanged top three, with England and Brazil following. Portugal rose past the Netherlands into sixth by virtue of their Nations League title, with Belgium, Germany and Croatia completing the top 10. Germany and Croatia both rose at the expense of Italy who slipped from ninth to 11th. Elsewhere in the rankings, ...

Wimbledon Organisers Prepare for Heat as Temperatures SoarLondon, 30 Jun (ONA) --- Wimbledon organisers are confident they have the necessary precautions in place to cope with a day one heatwave. It is forecast to be one of the hottest June days ever in parts of the UK, with temperatures expected to well exceed 30C. A heat rule is likely to be in place for the players, meaning an extra 10-minute break between sets two and three in women's singles and three and four in men's singles, but it could also be a difficult day for fans and officials. Chief executive Sally Bolton said: ...

Faisal Al Zubair Maintains Golden Cup Lead in World GT ChallengeMuscat, 30 Jun (ONA) — Oman’s Al-Manar Racing team, led by international driver Faisal Al Zubair, has maintained its lead in the overall standings of the Golden Cup class in the 2025 World GT Challenge following a strong performance at the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa at Belgium’s Spa-Francorchamps circuit, which featured 73 competing cars. Al Zubair and his teammates finished fifth in the Golden Cup class, allowing the team to retain its top position in the team standings with 110.5 points. Meanwhile, Faisal holds second ...

Oman Military Taekwondo Team Wins Silver Medal at World Championship in GermanyBerlin, 25 Jun (ONA) --- Oman Military Taekwondo Team secured a silver medal at the 28th World Military Taekwondo Championship, currently being held in Germany and running until 29 June.Lane Corporal Shihab Salim Al Wahaibi claimed the silver medal in the under-58 kg category. Group Captain Hamad Salim Al Balushi, Director of Military Sports at the Office of Chief of Staff of the Sultan’s Armed Forces and head of the delegation, stated that the team’s participation has been successful by all standards, lauding ...

New Board Elected for Oman Football AssociationA’Seeb, 25 Jun (ONA) —— The General Assembly of Oman Football Association (OFA) today elected Sayyid Suleiman Hamoud Al Busaidi as its chairman for the 2025–2029 term during its electoral meeting to select a new board of directors. The session saw the participation of 43 out of 49 eligible voting clubs. The assembly commenced with the announcement of a legal quorum, followed by the approval of the agenda. Outgoing OFA Chairman Salim Said Al Wahaibi delivered his farewell address, reviewing the achievements of the previous term and ...

Ole Werner Appointed as RB Leipzig CoachLeipzig, 24 Jun (ONA) --- Ole Werner has been appointed as RB Leipzig coach on a two-year contract until 2027, ending the Bundesliga club's difficult search for a new helmsman after a poor season by their standard. The deal was announced today, after Leipzig reached a agreement with Werner's previous club Werder Bremen where he had spent four years. Leipzig finished seventh in the past Bundesliga season, missing a place in Europe for the first time since being promoted into the top flight in 2016. Marco Rose was axed as coach in March and Zsolt ...

Faisal Al Zubair Competes in CrowdStrike 24H at Spa-Francorchamps in BelgiumMuscat, 23 Jun (ONA) – Omani international racing driver Faisal Khalid Al Zubair returns to Belgium's Spa-Francorchamps circuit to compete in the third round of the 2025 GT World Challenge, driving the BMW M4 GT3 Evo as part of Oman's Al Manar Racing team.Faisal will share the cockpit with teammates Jens Klingmann, Ben Tuck, and American driver Neil Verhagen, as the team aims to maintain its lead in the overall team and driver standings. Al Manar Racing currently holds first place after securing victories in the ...

Costa Rica and Mexico Advance to Gold Cup Quarterfinals Washington, 19 Jun (ONA) --- Costa Rica secured their place in the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals after defeating the Dominican Republic 2-1 in their second match of Group A of the tournament, co-hosted by the United States and Canada. The Dominican Republic took an early lead in the 16th minute, but Costa Rica equalized just before halftime with a 44th-minute penalty. The Ticos sealed the victory in the 85th minute when scored the decisive goal. In another match of Group A, Mexico booked ...

Oman Youth Beach Handball Team Kicks Off World Championship Campaign Against Spain, Puerto RicoTunis, 17 Jun (ONA) —— Oman national youth beach handball team will begin its participation tomorrow “Wednesday” in the third edition of the IHF Men's Youth Beach Handball World Championship, hosted by the Tunisian Republic during 17-22 June 2025.The national team will play two group stage matches tomorrow in Group 1. Their first match will be against Spain at 3:00 PM Muscat time, followed by a second encounter against Puerto Rico at 7:00 PM (Muscat time). Group 1 now features only three ...

Barcelona Boosted by Improved Credit RatingBarcelona, 16 Jun (ONA) --- Barcelona's credit rating has been upgraded from stable to positive, the Spanish La Liga champions have announced. The Catalan giants have faced difficulties in registering players in recent years and were fined $577,000 in 2023 for infringing UEFA financial rules. However, an assessment by independent rating agency Morningstar DBRS has upgraded the club. Morningstar said the improved rating reflected the club's better financial performance and the prospect of increased revenue when the club return to the revamped ...

Italy Appoint 2006 World Cup Champion Gattuso as National Team Manager Rome, 15 Jun (ONA) --- The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has named former midfield star Gennaro Gattuso as the new head coach of the national team. The AC Milan icon takes over from Luciano Spalletti, whose dismissal was confirmed during his own press conference last week. Gattuso, 47, earned 73 caps for Italy and was part of their triumphant 2006 World Cup squad. Two decades later, he now returns to guide the Azzurri in the same competition. Despite their Euro 2020 victory, ...

Manchester United Complete Signing of Brazilian Striker Matheus Cunha Manchester, 12 Jun (ONA) --- Manchester United have officially announced the signing of Brazilian international forward Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers. The 25-year-old has put pen to paper on a contract running until June 2030, with an option for a further year. In a statement published on the club's official website, Cunha expressed his determination to make an impact at Old Trafford: "I will work hard to become an important part of this team and help bring Manchester United back to the ...

Real Madrid Present Trent Alexander-Arnold as New Signing Madrid, 12 Jun (ONA) --- Real Madrid today unveiled their new signing, English international Trent Alexander-Arnold, who joins the Spanish giants from Liverpool. The player officially signed his contract during a ceremony held at Real Madrid’s training complex, Ciudad Real Madrid, attended by club president Florentino Pérez. The club had announced the acquisition of the English defender on 30 May 2025, with a contract running until June 2031. Speaking in Spanish during his presentation, ...

Al Rasha of Royal Cavalry Wins First Place at Bordeaux Racecourse in FranceBordeaux, 12 Jun (ONA) — Al Rasha, a horse from the Royal Cavalry, secured first place in the eighth race held at the Bordeaux racecourse in France, dedicated to purebred Arabian horses over a distance of 1,600 meters.Ridden by jockey Michael Forest and under the supervision of trainer Elisabeth Bernard, Al Rasha decisively claimed victory in the race.—— Ends/AH ...

Madrid Makes Debut as Imola Dropped from 2026 Madrid, 10 Jun (ONA) --- The new Madrid Grand Prix will be held as the final race of an uninterrupted European section of the Formula 1 season next year (2026). Madrid, to be held on 11-13 September, will be a second race in Spain and replaces the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola in Italy in a schedule that remains at 24 races. Madrid's debut is one of a number of changes, most of which have been made in an attempt to streamline transport and reduce carbon emissions, BBC sports reported. Canada, traditionally ...

Our National Team to Host Jordan in Highly Anticipated World Cup Qualifier TomorrowMuscat, 4 Jun (ONA) —- Our national football team will host Jordan tomorrow (Thursday), in a crucial match as part of the ninth round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The game will kick off at 8:00 pm at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher, Muscat Governorate.The team enters the match aiming for victory and securing three points to strengthen its chances of competing for one of the direct qualification spots to the World Cup, which will be held in the United States and ...

Chiesa Open to Italy Return after Frustrating Season at LiverpoolRome, 3 Jun (ONA) --- Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa admits a return to Italy is "something to think about" this close season. The 27-year-old finished his maiden campaign in England as a Premier League winner but he featured just 14 times after arriving late in August. He is currently targeting the start of pre-season training on 8 July 2025, but asked about a return to his homeland, the Italy international told La Gazzetta dello Sport today: "That's something to think about during the summer. He added, "My family, ...

Faisal Al Zubair Claims First Place in Second Round of GT Challenge in Italy Milan, 2 Jun (ONA) —— Omani driver Faisal Khalid Al Zubair secured first place in the Gold Class during the second round of the 2025 GT World Challenge, part of the AWS Endurance Cup, representing the Omani team Al-Manar Racing at Italy’s Monza Circuit. He also finished fourth overall in a competitive field of 59 cars from various manufacturers. The Al-Manar Racing trio—Faisal, alongside teammates Klingmann and Ben Tuck—delivered an outstanding performance in their BMW M4 GT3 Evo. ...

Omani Driver Abdullah Al Rawahi Secures Second Place in Jordan Rally Amman, 1 Jun (ONA) — Omani rally driver Abdullah Al Rawahi claimed second place in Jordan International Rally, the fourth round of the Middle East Rally Championship, finishing behind Qatari champion Nasser Al Attiyah with a gap of approximately three minutes. Meanwhile, his compatriot Abdullah Al Zubair dominated the MERC 2 category, securing fifth place overall in his Subaru Impreza, followed closely by teammate Zakariya Al Amiri in second place within the same category. The rally, held ...

Inzaghi Coy over Inter Future after Champions League HeartbreakMilan, 1 Jun (ONA) --- Simone Inzaghi refused to confirm if he would be Inter Milan manager at the Club World Cup after he experienced Champions League final disappointment for a second time in three seasons. Inzaghi watched Inter get destroyed in Saturday's showpiece in Munich as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) ran riot to inflict a 5-0 defeat. Inter were on course for the treble in April 2025, but a Coppa Italia semi-final exit was followed by being pipped to the Serie A title by Napoli and their last chance of silverware ...

OFA Fetes Outstanding Players at Omantel League 2024-2025 Season’s FinaleMuscat, 29 May (ONA) --- Oman Football Association (OFA) today marked the conclusion of Omantel League 2024-2025 sports season’s finale.The ceremony, held under the auspices of OFA Chairman Salim Said Al Wahaibi, took place in the Wilayat of A’SeebThe ceremony included a visual presentation about Omantel League’s most prominent events, the season's statistics, the announcement of winners of the ‘Best’ awards during the 2024-2025 Omantel League season, as well as the candidates for the "Star of the ...

Zubimendi Set for Medical Before Arsenal Move London, 28 May (ONA) --- Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is set to have a medical before completing a switch to Arsenal. Well-placed sources have confirmed that all the relevant documents in relation to the Spain international's switch to the Emirates have been signed, with the deal entering its closing stages, BBC sport reported. The transfer is subject to a successful medical that Arsenal are in the process of organising. Because the paperwork for Zubimendi's switch has been completed, all ...

Real Madrid Announce Xabi Alonso as New Head Coach Madrid, 25 May (ONA) --- Real Madrid has made official the appointment of Xabi Alonso as the new first team coach for the next three seasons. After several months of conversations and doubts about the future of Carlo Ancelotti, the club has finally opted for a new project and a figure who combines tactical knowledge, international experience and a deep link with the institution. Xabi Alonso arrives in the Santiago Bernabeu dugout after a brilliant spell in charge of Bayer Leverkusen, where he revolutionised the German team with ...

Bellingham to Miss Start of Season after Shoulder Surgery Madrid, 21 May (ONA) --- Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham is expected to miss at least the first six weeks of next season when he has shoulder surgery after the Club World Cup. The 21-year-old has struggled with a persistent shoulder problem since 2023 and Real have scheduled the operation when the tournament in the United States is over, BBC sports reported. The former Birmingham City midfielder has worn strapping on his shoulder when playing for England and for his club, having initially missed ...

Royal Cavalry Concludes Participation in Royal Windsor Horse Show London, 20 May (ONA) ——The Royal Cavalry of the Royal Court Affairs (RCA) concluded its participation in the Royal Windsor Horse Show, held at the grounds of the British Royal Windsor Castle, with the involvement of specialized equestrian teams from several countries worldwide. The Royal Cavalry participated under the theme “The Sultanate of Oman: Jewel of Arabia," during which its male and female riders presented diverse displays of traditional Omani equestrian arts, such as “Ardha” galloping ...

Royal Cavalry Participates in Royal Windsor Horse Show London, May 18 (ONA) — The Royal Cavalry of Oman took part in the third day of the 2025 Royal Windsor Horse Show, under the patronage of King Charles III of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Head of the Commonwealth, at the grounds of Windsor Castle. During its participation, the Royal Cavalry showcased Omani music and traditional equestrian arts unique to the Sultanate of Oman. Its riders—both male and female—performed displays of the Ardah gallop and horse calming techniques, ...

Frankfurt Extend Contract with Coach Toppmöller until 2028Frankfurt, 15 May (ONA) --- Regardless of the outcome of this season, Eintracht Frankfurt have extended their contract with coach Dino Toppmöller until 2028, the Bundesliga club said in a statement today. Toppmöller took over in 2023 and his previous deal was due to expire next year. Frankfurt are still in the fight for a first ever UEFA Champions League qualification via the Bundesliga, having previously played in the elite event via their Europa League title in 2022. They are third in the German Bundesliga and will secure ...

Vardy to Make Final Leicester Appearance against IpswichLondon, 15 May (ONA) --- Jamie Vardy will make his 500th and final appearance for Leicester in the English Premier League (EPL) clash with Ipswich this Sunday. The 38-year-old is leaving the Foxes at the end of the season and will not feature in the season finale at Liverpool next Sunday to allow him a King Power Stadium farewell. He will be celebrated before and after kick-off as the club finish their home campaign in a battle between two already relegated clubs. Vardy announced his decision to leave the club several weeks ...