Russia lifted the 10th Intercontinental Beach Soccer Cup Dubai title after a tense win over Iran 3-2 at the Kite Beach.
The Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup champions have now become the most successful team in the Intercontinental Cup with a fourth title.
Russia‘s Boris Nikonorov was awarded the MVP award and Chiky from Spain, with nine goals, claimed the top scorer trophy. Hamid Behzadpour of Iran won the best goalkeeper award.
The final was a replay of the last Group B game just days before, where the Russians overcame Iran 4-3.
The two nations had met twice before in the Intercontinental Cup final – Iran winning on both occasions.
This time, Boris Nikonorov was the star for Russia. He put his side in front in the first period. Nikonorov then headed the second to double the lead in the next and completed the hat-trick with a spectacular bicycle kick.
Mohammadali Mokthari pulled one back for Iran shortly before the second period and fired in his second to close the gap, but that was as close Iran got in the game.
Meanwhile, Senegal outplayed Portugal in the playoff for third, while the UAE went down 8-3 to Paraguay to finish in last place.
“The last game was a bit of a disappointment but overall we did pretty well even though the results don’t reflect it,” Waleed Beshr, the UAE defender, said of his team’s performance in the competition.
“We won against Spain and Senegal in the group phase and they were the high points of our campaign. We were very unlucky not to qualify for the semi-finals. We pushed Japan and Spain in the playoffs before going down fighting.
“The last game wasn’t the way we wanted to round off the tournament. Maybe we were a bit tired. Nevertheless, we can take a lot of positives from the tournament.”
Playoff results
Paraguay beat UAE 8-3 (for 7th place)
Japan beat Spain 5-4 (5th place)
Senegal beat Portugal 7-4 (3rd place)
AIR
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EBen%20Affleck%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMatt%20Damon%2C%20Jason%20Bateman%2C%20Ben%20Affleck%2C%20Viola%20Davis%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
