Rwandan President Paul Kagame was critical of Arsenal. Getty
Rwandan President Paul Kagame was critical of Arsenal. Getty
Rwandan President Paul Kagame was critical of Arsenal. Getty
Rwandan President Paul Kagame was critical of Arsenal. Getty

Sport

Football

Rwanda president blasts Arsenal over Brentford defeat

East African nation are sleeve sponsors of the Gunners

The National

August 14, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, the East African nation that is one of the club's sponsors, has taken to Twitter to criticise their woeful defeat against Brentford on the opening night of the Premier League season.

"The game itself aside Arsenal and the fans don't deserve to kind of get used to this....NO !!!" Kagame wrote. "It's been a struggle of about decade(s) - ups&downs - more downs until this point."

Rwanda are Arsenal's sleeve sponsor, with the "Visit Rwanda" logo printed on the left sleeve of all the Gunners' shirts.

Disappointed after Friday's 2-0 defeat by Brentford, Kagame called for changes at the club.

"We just must NOT excuse or Accept mediocrity. A team has to be built with purpose to win win win. So that when we lose....it was not to be expected! I am sure we all know on whose shoulders the heaviest burden rests. I hope they know too or even accept it!!!"

Arsenal, who have not qualified for any European football this season, next face London rivals and Champions League holders Chelsea at home on August 22.

Brentford v Arsenal player ratings

  • BRENTFORD RATINGS: David Raya: 7 - The goalkeeper was rarely tested by the opposition, facing few shots from the Gunners. He answered when called upon and played the ball well with his feet from the back.
    BRENTFORD RATINGS: David Raya: 7 - The goalkeeper was rarely tested by the opposition, facing few shots from the Gunners. He answered when called upon and played the ball well with his feet from the back.
  • Kristoffer Ajer: 7 - The recent arrival from Celtic looked assured on the right of the back three on his debut. He was calm on the ball until an injury scare towards the end of the game cut short his debut.
    Kristoffer Ajer: 7 - The recent arrival from Celtic looked assured on the right of the back three on his debut. He was calm on the ball until an injury scare towards the end of the game cut short his debut.
  • Pontus Jansson: 7 -The Brentford captain patrolled the centre of defence well, bar one or two rash challenges around the box.
    Pontus Jansson: 7 -The Brentford captain patrolled the centre of defence well, bar one or two rash challenges around the box.
  • Ethan Pinnock: 7 - Pinnock looked secure defensively on the left and often came out from the back with the ball. He added an assist to his impressive display.
    Ethan Pinnock: 7 - Pinnock looked secure defensively on the left and often came out from the back with the ball. He added an assist to his impressive display.
  • Sergi Canos: 9 - The wing-back scored Brentford’s first goal in the top flight in 74 years, driving into the box and scoring a neat near-post finish. He often pushed high up the pitch to help sustain pressure and was rewarded with a goal for his fine performance.
    Sergi Canos: 9 - The wing-back scored Brentford’s first goal in the top flight in 74 years, driving into the box and scoring a neat near-post finish. He often pushed high up the pitch to help sustain pressure and was rewarded with a goal for his fine performance.
  • Frank Onyeka: 7 -The box-to-box midfielder put in a good performance on his debut, looking a threat going with the ball, then defending and pressing well without it.
    Frank Onyeka: 7 -The box-to-box midfielder put in a good performance on his debut, looking a threat going with the ball, then defending and pressing well without it.
  • Christian Norgaard: 8 - The midfielder had a good game on the ball and helped double the lead with a header from a long throw into the box.
    Christian Norgaard: 8 - The midfielder had a good game on the ball and helped double the lead with a header from a long throw into the box.
  • Vitaly Janelt: 6 -The 23-year-old had a quiet game but picked up the ball in pockets of space. He wasn’t always accurate with his passing when it counted for the Bees.
    Vitaly Janelt: 6 -The 23-year-old had a quiet game but picked up the ball in pockets of space. He wasn’t always accurate with his passing when it counted for the Bees.
  • Rico Henry: 7 -The wing-back covered the left flank both defensively and offensively. He won most of his duels when it mattered and was useful for his side throughout.
    Rico Henry: 7 -The wing-back covered the left flank both defensively and offensively. He won most of his duels when it mattered and was useful for his side throughout.
  • Bryan Mbuemo: 8 - His pressing caused issues for the Arsenal defenders, forcing mistakes when high up the pitch. He made a fantastic turn in the box to beat three defenders but couldn’t apply the finish in the first half.
    Bryan Mbuemo: 8 - His pressing caused issues for the Arsenal defenders, forcing mistakes when high up the pitch. He made a fantastic turn in the box to beat three defenders but couldn’t apply the finish in the first half.
  • Ivan Toney: 8 - While the striker wasn’t involved in the goals, he was a key part of how Brentford played on the night. He was integral in winning the ball in the air and leading the line for his side, pushing them up the pitch.
    Ivan Toney: 8 - While the striker wasn’t involved in the goals, he was a key part of how Brentford played on the night. He was integral in winning the ball in the air and leading the line for his side, pushing them up the pitch.
  • SUBS: Mads Sorensen (For Ajer 71’) - 6 - Sorensen came on to help preserve his side’s lead going into the latter stages of the game for the injured Ajer. He had little to do defensively, but caused issues with his long throws.
    SUBS: Mads Sorensen (For Ajer 71’) - 6 - Sorensen came on to help preserve his side’s lead going into the latter stages of the game for the injured Ajer. He had little to do defensively, but caused issues with his long throws.
  • Mads Bidstrup (For Onyeka 80’) - N/R - Bidstrup had little to do when he came on late in the game to help his side see out the victory.
    Mads Bidstrup (For Onyeka 80’) - N/R - Bidstrup had little to do when he came on late in the game to help his side see out the victory.
  • Marcus Forss (For Mbuemo 86’) - N/R - Forss made a brief appearance for Brentford, replacing Mbuemo to help keep the pressure on late in the game.
    Marcus Forss (For Mbuemo 86’) - N/R - Forss made a brief appearance for Brentford, replacing Mbuemo to help keep the pressure on late in the game.
  • ARSENAL RATINGS: Bernd Leno: 5 - The Germany international struggled with the ball at his feet at times. He could have done more to deny Canos at the near post and could have done more to stop the long throw for the second.
    ARSENAL RATINGS: Bernd Leno: 5 - The Germany international struggled with the ball at his feet at times. He could have done more to deny Canos at the near post and could have done more to stop the long throw for the second.
  • Kieran Tierney: 7 - The left-back looked the most secure of his defensive partners, offering a lot down his flank when attacking and putting in quality crosses.
    Kieran Tierney: 7 - The left-back looked the most secure of his defensive partners, offering a lot down his flank when attacking and putting in quality crosses.
  • Pablo Mari: 4 -The 27-year-old struggled when under pressure from the Brentford press, making a few mistakes when looking to play out with the ball. He could and should have done more to deny the second goal in the box.
    Pablo Mari: 4 -The 27-year-old struggled when under pressure from the Brentford press, making a few mistakes when looking to play out with the ball. He could and should have done more to deny the second goal in the box.
  • Ben White: 5 - On his Arsenal debut, White came under pressure but showed his passing ability in beating the press very often. He was tested by Toney in the air and could have gotten tighter to him at times, which meant he struggled in a first outing.
    Ben White: 5 - On his Arsenal debut, White came under pressure but showed his passing ability in beating the press very often. He was tested by Toney in the air and could have gotten tighter to him at times, which meant he struggled in a first outing.
  • Calum Chambers: 4 - Made a mistake that led to the first goal with a poor clearance before failing to close down goalscorer Canos in the box. He struggled throughout the game defensively and didn’t trouble with the ball going forward.
    Calum Chambers: 4 - Made a mistake that led to the first goal with a poor clearance before failing to close down goalscorer Canos in the box. He struggled throughout the game defensively and didn’t trouble with the ball going forward.
  • Granit Xhaka: 7 - The Arsenal captain was everywhere for his side on the night, often playing an important role in the way his side built with the ball from defence. It wasn’t only with the ball but without it he also put himself about, winning many of the duels he was involved in.
    Granit Xhaka: 7 - The Arsenal captain was everywhere for his side on the night, often playing an important role in the way his side built with the ball from defence. It wasn’t only with the ball but without it he also put himself about, winning many of the duels he was involved in.
  • Albert Sambi Lokonga: 6 - Another debutant, Lokonga was also busy in covering a lot of ground for his side however he wasn’t quite as successful off the ball compared to his midfield partner.
    Albert Sambi Lokonga: 6 - Another debutant, Lokonga was also busy in covering a lot of ground for his side however he wasn’t quite as successful off the ball compared to his midfield partner.
  • Gabriel Martinelli: 5 - Fresh from an Olympics outing with Brazil, the winger struggled to have an impact on the game with few chances.
    Gabriel Martinelli: 5 - Fresh from an Olympics outing with Brazil, the winger struggled to have an impact on the game with few chances.
  • Emile Smith Rowe: 7 - Arsenal’s new No 10 looked a threat when he received the ball, always positive in his approach with passing and driving forward.
    Emile Smith Rowe: 7 - Arsenal’s new No 10 looked a threat when he received the ball, always positive in his approach with passing and driving forward.
  • Nicolas Pepe: 6 - Pepe looked to put himself about and make things happen for the away side. He was always looking to cut-in from the right on his left foot and created a few opportunities for his side.
    Nicolas Pepe: 6 - Pepe looked to put himself about and make things happen for the away side. He was always looking to cut-in from the right on his left foot and created a few opportunities for his side.
  • Folarin Balogun: 4 -It was a tough match for the youngster, who struggled to lead the line for Arsenal. They missed a focal point up front and it just wasn’t the striker’s night as he was subbed off early in the second half.
    Folarin Balogun: 4 -It was a tough match for the youngster, who struggled to lead the line for Arsenal. They missed a focal point up front and it just wasn’t the striker’s night as he was subbed off early in the second half.
  • SUBS: Bukayo Saka (For Balogun 59’) - 7 - Saka caused issues from the bench, often cutting inside from the left and carrying the ball into the box on a number of occasions.
    SUBS: Bukayo Saka (For Balogun 59’) - 7 - Saka caused issues from the bench, often cutting inside from the left and carrying the ball into the box on a number of occasions.
  • Reiss Nelson (For Martinelli 71’) - 6 - Nelson was a problem for Brentford a few times on the right but he wasn’t able to change the game for Arsenal once they went two goals down.
    Reiss Nelson (For Martinelli 71’) - 6 - Nelson was a problem for Brentford a few times on the right but he wasn’t able to change the game for Arsenal once they went two goals down.
  • Nuno Tavares (For Chambers 82’) - N/R - Tavares made a brief appearance in a debut off the bench for Arsenal, getting little time to stamp his authority but he got a shot off from range that could have posed a threat.
    Nuno Tavares (For Chambers 82’) - N/R - Tavares made a brief appearance in a debut off the bench for Arsenal, getting little time to stamp his authority but he got a shot off from range that could have posed a threat.


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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

Karwaan

Producer: Ronnie Screwvala

Director: Akarsh Khurana

Starring: Irrfan Khan, Dulquer Salmaan, Mithila Palkar

Rating: 4/5

8 traditional Jamaican dishes to try at Kingston 21

  1. Trench Town Rock: Jamaican-style curry goat served in a pastry basket with a carrot and potato garnish
  2. Rock Steady Jerk Chicken: chicken marinated for 24 hours and slow-cooked on the grill
  3. Mento Oxtail: flavoured oxtail stewed for five hours with herbs
  4. Ackee and salt fish: the national dish of Jamaica makes for a hearty breakfast
  5. Jamaican porridge: another breakfast favourite, can be made with peanut, cornmeal, banana and plantain
  6. Jamaican beef patty: a pastry with ground beef filling
  7. Hellshire Pon di Beach: Fresh fish with pickles
  8. Out of Many: traditional sweet potato pudding
10 tips for entry-level job seekers
  • Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
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  • Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
  • Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
  • Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
  • Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
  • Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.

Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz

Updated: August 14, 2021, 11:33 AM