Former American college star Omar Samhan is one of the Egyptian national team's headliners. Satish Kumar / The National
Former American college star Omar Samhan is one of the Egyptian national team's headliners. Satish Kumar / The National

Fiba Basketball World Cup draw pits Egypt v Iran in Group A; Philippines in Group B



Basketball world champions the United States were drawn in a group also containing the team they beat in the 2010 final Turkey when the draw was made in Barcelona, Spain, on Monday.

The Americans were drawn in Group C along with the Turks as well as New Zealand, Ukraine, Dominican Republic and Finland for the tournament which is being hosted by Spain and runs from August 30 to September 14.

In Group A Egypt, who qualified with a second-place finish at the 2013 Fiba Africa Championship, will be matched up with regional rivals Iran, who won the 2012 Fiba Asia Cup to earn qualification.

France, who beat Lithuania in the European final last year, are also in Group A along with Spain, Serbia and Brazil.

The potential opponents for the Americans in the last 16 – the top four in each group progress to the knockout rounds – if they top it will come from Group D which notably includes Slovenia, Australia and beaten European championship finalists Lithuania.

The tournament will take place in six cities: Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla, Bilbao, Gran Canaria and Granada.

Groups:

Gp A (at Granada): Spain, Serbia, France, Brazil, Egypt, Iran

Gp B (at Sevilla): Philippines, Senegal, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Greece, Croatia

Gp C (at Bilbao): Dominican Republic, Turkey, United States, Finland, New Zealand, Ukraine

Gp D (at Gran Canaria): Slovenia, Lithuania, Angola, South Korea, Mexico, Australia

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UK's plans to cut net migration

Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.

Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.

But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.

Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.

Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.

The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.

World record transfers

1. Kylian Mbappe - to Real Madrid in 2017/18 - €180 million (Dh770.4m - if a deal goes through)
2. Paul Pogba - to Manchester United in 2016/17 - €105m
3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
6. Neymar - to Barcelona in 2013/14 - €88.2m
7. Romelu Lukaku - to Manchester United in 2017/18 - €84.7m
8. Luis Suarez - to Barcelona in 2014/15 - €81.72m
9. Angel di Maria - to Manchester United in 2014/15 - €75m
10. James Rodriguez - to Real Madrid in 2014/15 - €75m