• PSG's Lionel Messi scores from a stunning overhead kick in the Ligue 1 match against Clermont at Stade Gabriel Montpied on Saturday, August 6, 2022. Reuters
    PSG's Lionel Messi scores from a stunning overhead kick in the Ligue 1 match against Clermont at Stade Gabriel Montpied on Saturday, August 6, 2022. Reuters
  • Paris Saint-Germain's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring the fourth goal with Neymar. Reuters
    Paris Saint-Germain's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring the fourth goal with Neymar. Reuters
  • Lionel Messi was on song for PSG against Clermont at Stade Gabriel Montpied. AFP
    Lionel Messi was on song for PSG against Clermont at Stade Gabriel Montpied. AFP
  • Paris Saint-Germain's Achraf Hakimi celebrates with Neymar after scoring. EPA
    Paris Saint-Germain's Achraf Hakimi celebrates with Neymar after scoring. EPA
  • Neymar was in top form against Clermont on Saturday. EPA
    Neymar was in top form against Clermont on Saturday. EPA
  • Neymar celebrates with Achraf Hakimi after scoring against Clermont. AFP
    Neymar celebrates with Achraf Hakimi after scoring against Clermont. AFP
  • Achraf Hakimi scored PSG's second goal on Saturday. EPA
    Achraf Hakimi scored PSG's second goal on Saturday. EPA
  • Achraf Hakimi scores against Clermont at Stade Gabriel Montpied. AFP
    Achraf Hakimi scores against Clermont at Stade Gabriel Montpied. AFP
  • Marquinhos at Stade Gabriel Montpied. AFP
    Marquinhos at Stade Gabriel Montpied. AFP

Ballon d'Or nominees: Messi misses out, Benzema and Ronaldo in, three Lionesses make cut


Steve Luckings
  • English
  • Arabic

The name of seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi was left off the 30-man list for this year's coveted football award.

Lucy Bronze, who was runner-up in 2019, is one of three members of England's Euro-winning squad to be short-listed for the women's prize.

Despite winning the Ligue 1 title in his first season at Paris Saint-Germain, Messi endured a largely underwhelming season in France after switching from Barcelona last summer.

The Argentina forward, 35, had been an ever-present amongst the nominations since 2006 and a regular feature in the top three since 2007 with the exception of 2018.

A change in the format has also worked against Messi with the Ballon d'Or no longer acknowledging the best player over a calendar year.

Instead, it is based on a season's record highlighting "the individual performances" and the "decisive and impressive character" of the nominees, according to the criteria.

After leaving Barcelona in the summer of 2021, Messi was unable to stamp his genius on a PSG team desperate for a Champions League title.

The French champions suffered a last-16 exit at the hands of eventual winners Real Madrid despite holding a 2-0 aggregate lead with less than half-hour left in the tie.

Messi's tally of 11 goals for PSG was his lowest since the 2005/06 season, while his relatively indifferent club form failed to impress France Football magazine, the organisers of the Ballon d'Or which will be awarded in Paris on October 17.

PSG teammate Neymar also misses out after a season where he scored 13 goals in 28 matches.

  • Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga, Karim Benzema and Aurelien Tchouameni of Real Madrid pose for a photograph with the Uefa Super Cup trophy after a 2-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt at Helsinki Olympic Stadium on August 10, 2022 in Helsinki, Finland. Getty Images
    Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga, Karim Benzema and Aurelien Tchouameni of Real Madrid pose for a photograph with the Uefa Super Cup trophy after a 2-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt at Helsinki Olympic Stadium on August 10, 2022 in Helsinki, Finland. Getty Images
  • Karim Benzema of Real Madrid lifts the Uefa Super Cup trophy. The Frenchman svcored the second Real's two goals against Eintracht Frankfurt. Getty Images
    Karim Benzema of Real Madrid lifts the Uefa Super Cup trophy. The Frenchman svcored the second Real's two goals against Eintracht Frankfurt. Getty Images
  • Real Madrid celebrate winning the Uefa Super Cup trophy. Getty Images
    Real Madrid celebrate winning the Uefa Super Cup trophy. Getty Images
  • Real Madrid captain Karim Benzema lifts the Uefa Super Cup trophy. Getty Images
    Real Madrid captain Karim Benzema lifts the Uefa Super Cup trophy. Getty Images
  • Players of Real Madrid look on as Karim Benzema walks the Uefa Super Cup trophy onto the stage during the trophy presentation. Getty Images
    Players of Real Madrid look on as Karim Benzema walks the Uefa Super Cup trophy onto the stage during the trophy presentation. Getty Images
  • Karim Benzema of Real Madrid scores his side's second goal whilst under pressure from Tuta and Djibril Sow of Eintracht Frankfurt. Getty Images
    Karim Benzema of Real Madrid scores his side's second goal whilst under pressure from Tuta and Djibril Sow of Eintracht Frankfurt. Getty Images
  • Karim Benzema scores to make it 2-0 to Real Madrid. Getty Images
    Karim Benzema scores to make it 2-0 to Real Madrid. Getty Images
  • Real Madrid's Karim Benzema lifts the trophy after winning the Uefa Super Cup final. AP Photo
    Real Madrid's Karim Benzema lifts the trophy after winning the Uefa Super Cup final. AP Photo
  • Real Madrid's French forward Karim Benzema and Frankfurt's Brazilian defender Tuta vie for the ball. AP Photo
    Real Madrid's French forward Karim Benzema and Frankfurt's Brazilian defender Tuta vie for the ball. AP Photo
  • Real Madrid's Karim Benzema celebrates scoring their second goal. Reuters
    Real Madrid's Karim Benzema celebrates scoring their second goal. Reuters
  • Real Madrid's David Alaba celebrates with the trophy after winning the European Super Cup. The Austrian opened the scoring in a 2-0 win. AP
    Real Madrid's David Alaba celebrates with the trophy after winning the European Super Cup. The Austrian opened the scoring in a 2-0 win. AP
  • Frankfurt's Jesper Lindstrom, left, duels for the ball with Real Madrid's David Alaba. AP Photo
    Frankfurt's Jesper Lindstrom, left, duels for the ball with Real Madrid's David Alaba. AP Photo
  • Real Madrid's David Alaba celebrates scoring their first goal. Reuters
    Real Madrid's David Alaba celebrates scoring their first goal. Reuters
  • David Alaba of Real Madrid holds the trophy after winning the Uefa Super Cup final. EPA
    David Alaba of Real Madrid holds the trophy after winning the Uefa Super Cup final. EPA
  • Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti celebrates after the final whistle. Getty Images
    Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti celebrates after the final whistle. Getty Images
  • Real Madrid's head coach Carlo Ancelotti, centre, speaks with his players Casemiro, right, and Eder Militao. AP Photo
    Real Madrid's head coach Carlo Ancelotti, centre, speaks with his players Casemiro, right, and Eder Militao. AP Photo

French international striker Karim Benzema is the overwhelming favourite after being the architect of Real Madrid's 14th Champions League title as well as guiding them to the Spanish league title.

He finished the European campaign with 15 goals with an overall record of 44 goals in 46 matches.

Benzema is likely to become the fifth French winner after Raymond Kopa (1958), Michel Platini (1983, 1984, 1985), Jean-Pierre Papin (1991) and Zinedine Zidane (1998).

His goal in Wednesday's 2-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the European Super Cup took the 34-year-old to second in the all-time charts for the Spanish giants on 324 goals. Only Cristiano Ronaldo is in front of him with 450.

"He's in line for the Ballon d'Or. Is there any doubt? For me, no," said Real coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Manchester United's Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, is nominated again this year. The Portugal striker scored 24 goals across competitions in what was a largely disappointing campaign for his club Manchester United.

Benzema is joined on the 30-man list by Real Madrid teammates Thibaut Courtois, Casemiro, 2018 winner Luka Modric, Vinicius Jr and Antonio Rudiger, who moved to the Bernabeu this summer from Chelsea.

Beaten Champions League finalists Liverpool have seven players nominated, the most of any club.

  • Manchester City's Erling Haaland celebrates scoring the first goal from the penalty spot in the 2-0 Premier League win at West Ham on August 7. Action Images
    Manchester City's Erling Haaland celebrates scoring the first goal from the penalty spot in the 2-0 Premier League win at West Ham on August 7. Action Images
  • Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring. Getty
    Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring. Getty
  • Erling Haaland scores from the penalty spot. Getty
    Erling Haaland scores from the penalty spot. Getty
  • Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring City's second goal at West Ham. Getty
    Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring City's second goal at West Ham. Getty
  • Haaland shoots to score the second. AP
    Haaland shoots to score the second. AP
  • Erling Haaland celebrates his second goal. Getty
    Erling Haaland celebrates his second goal. Getty
  • Haaland celebrates with City fans. PA
    Haaland celebrates with City fans. PA
  • Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola on the touchline. AFP
    Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola on the touchline. AFP
  • Pep Guardiola gives instructions to his players during a break. EPA
    Pep Guardiola gives instructions to his players during a break. EPA
  • West Ham's Declan Rice grimaces after a missed chance. AP
    West Ham's Declan Rice grimaces after a missed chance. AP
  • Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips, Phil Foden and Erling Haaland on the pitch after the full-time whistle. PA
    Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips, Phil Foden and Erling Haaland on the pitch after the full-time whistle. PA

They are Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luis Diaz, who joined the club in January from Porto, Fabinho, Sadio Mane, since transferred to Bayern Munich, Darwin Nunez, who spent last season at Benfica, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.

Manchester City's new £55 million signing Erling Haaland is one of five players nominated for the reigning Premier League champions alongside Joao Cancelo, Kevin de Bruyne, Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva.

There is a 20-strong list for the women's Ballon d'Or including English stars Bronze, Millie Bright and Arsenal forward Beth Mead who won the Golden Boot at the women's Euro 2022.

France have four nominations: Selma Bacha, Kadidiatou Diani, Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Wendie Renard.

Last year's winner Alexia Putellas, who was ruled out of the Euros with a last minute injury, and Norwegian star Ada Hegerberg, the first winner of the prize in 2018, are also in the running.

  • England's Chloe Kelly celebrates with Jill Scott after scoring the extra-time winner against Germany in the Women's Euro 2022 final at Wembley Stadium, London. PA
    England's Chloe Kelly celebrates with Jill Scott after scoring the extra-time winner against Germany in the Women's Euro 2022 final at Wembley Stadium, London. PA
  • Leah Williamson and Millie Bright lift the trophy as England celebrate winning the Women's Euro 2022 final. PA
    Leah Williamson and Millie Bright lift the trophy as England celebrate winning the Women's Euro 2022 final. PA
  • Leah Williamson of England lifts the Women’s Euro 2022 trophy. Getty
    Leah Williamson of England lifts the Women’s Euro 2022 trophy. Getty
  • England's Chloe Kelly gives England a 2-1 lead. EPA
    England's Chloe Kelly gives England a 2-1 lead. EPA
  • Chloe Kelly celebrates scoring her side's second goal. PA
    Chloe Kelly celebrates scoring her side's second goal. PA
  • England's Chloe Kelly celebrates scoring the winner. EPA
    England's Chloe Kelly celebrates scoring the winner. EPA
  • England's Ella Toone celebrates after scoring against Germany in the Women's Euro 2022 final at Wembley stadium in London. AP
    England's Ella Toone celebrates after scoring against Germany in the Women's Euro 2022 final at Wembley stadium in London. AP
  • Midfielder Ella Toone celebrates after scoring England's opening goal in the Women's Euro 2022 final against Germany at Wembley Stadium in London on July 31, 2022. AFP
    Midfielder Ella Toone celebrates after scoring England's opening goal in the Women's Euro 2022 final against Germany at Wembley Stadium in London on July 31, 2022. AFP
  • England's Ella Toone celebrates with teammates. Reuters
    England's Ella Toone celebrates with teammates. Reuters
  • England's Ella Toone celebrates scoring the opening goal with Lauren Hemp. PA
    England's Ella Toone celebrates scoring the opening goal with Lauren Hemp. PA
  • Lina Magull wheels away after scoring for Germany. Getty Images
    Lina Magull wheels away after scoring for Germany. Getty Images
  • Germany's Lina Magull celebrates after levelling the scores at 1-1. Getty Images
    Germany's Lina Magull celebrates after levelling the scores at 1-1. Getty Images
  • England's midfielder Fran Kirby fights for the ball with Germany's defender Kathrin Hendrich. AFP
    England's midfielder Fran Kirby fights for the ball with Germany's defender Kathrin Hendrich. AFP
  • England's Ellen White controls the ball. PA
    England's Ellen White controls the ball. PA
  • England's Ellen White makes an attempt at goal. AP
    England's Ellen White makes an attempt at goal. AP
  • Germany manager Martina Voss-Tecklenburg talks with Lea Schueller. AP
    Germany manager Martina Voss-Tecklenburg talks with Lea Schueller. AP
  • England's Ellen White in action with Germany's Kathrin Hendrich. Reuters
    England's Ellen White in action with Germany's Kathrin Hendrich. Reuters
  • England's midfielder Georgia Stanway eyes the ball. AFP
    England's midfielder Georgia Stanway eyes the ball. AFP
  • British singer-songwriter Becky Hill performs prior to the start of the match. AFP
    British singer-songwriter Becky Hill performs prior to the start of the match. AFP
  • England midfielder Georgia Stanway controls the ball. AFP
    England midfielder Georgia Stanway controls the ball. AFP

The 20 female nominees:

Selma Bacha (FRA, Lyon)

Aitana Bonmati (ESP, Barcelona)

Millie Bright (ENG, Chelsea)

Lucy Bronze (ENG Manchester City and Barcelona)

Kadidiatou Diani (FRA, PSG)

Christiane Endler (CHL, Lyon)

Ada Hegerberg (NOR, Lyon)

Marie-Antoinette Katoto (FRA, PSG)

Sam Kerr (AUS, Chelsea)

Catarina Macario (USA, Lyon)

Beth Mead (ENG, Arsenal)

Vivianne Miedema (HOL, Arsenal)

Alex Morgan (USA, Orlando Pride and San Diego Wave)

Lena Oberdorf (GER, Wolfsburg)

Asisat Oshoala (NGA, Barcelona)

Alexandra Popp (GER, Wolfsburg)

Alexia Putellas (ESP, Barcelona)

Wendie Renard (FRA, Lyon)

Trinity Rodman (USA, Spirit Washington Spirit)

Fridolina Rolfo (SWE, Barcelona)

The 30 male nominees:

Trent Alexander-Arnold (ENG, Liverpool)

Karim Benzema (FRA, Real Madrid)

Joao Cancelo (POR, Manchester City)

Casemiro (BRA, Real Madrid)

Thibaut Courtois (BEL, Real Madrid)

Cristiano Ronaldo (POR, Manchester United)

Kevin de Bruyne (BEL, Manchester City)

Luis Diaz (COL, Porto and Liverpool)

Fabinho (BRA, Liverpool)

Phil Foden (ENG, Manchester City)

Erling Haaland (NOR, Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City)

Sébastien Haller (CIV, Ajax and Borussia Dortmund)

Harry Kane (ENG, Tottenham)

Joshua Kimmich (GER, Bayern Munich)

Rafael Leao (POR, AC Milan)

Robert Lewandowski (POL, Bayern Munich and Barcelona)

Riyad Mahrez (ALG, Manchester City)

Mike Maignan (FRA, AC Milan)

Sadio Mane (SEN, Liverpool and Bayern Munich)

Kylian Mbappe (FRA, PSG)

Luka Modric (CRO, Real Madrid)

Christopher Nkunku (FRA, RB Leipzig)

Darwin Nunez (URU, Benfica and Liverpool)

Antonio Rudiger (GER, Chelsea and Real Madrid)

Mohamed Salah (EGY, Liverpool)

Bernardo Silva (POR, Manchester City)

Son Heung-min (KOR, Tottenham)

Virgil van Dijk (HOL, Liverpool)

Vinicius Jr (BRA, Real Madrid)

Dusan Vlahovic (SER, Fiorentina and Juventus)

The biggest summer transfers

  • Perr Schuurs - Ajax to Torino (£8m). AFP
    Perr Schuurs - Ajax to Torino (£8m). AFP
  • Paco Alcacer - Villarreal to Sharjah (loan). Getty Images
    Paco Alcacer - Villarreal to Sharjah (loan). Getty Images
  • Matheus Nunes - Sporting to Wolves (£38m). AFP
    Matheus Nunes - Sporting to Wolves (£38m). AFP
  • Tanguy Nianzou - Bayern Munich to Sevilla (£16.9m). AFP
    Tanguy Nianzou - Bayern Munich to Sevilla (£16.9m). AFP
  • Alan Virginius - Sochaux to Lille (£3.8m). AFP
    Alan Virginius - Sochaux to Lille (£3.8m). AFP
  • Thilo Kehrer - PSG to West Ham (£10.1m). Getty Images
    Thilo Kehrer - PSG to West Ham (£10.1m). Getty Images
  • Pervis Estupinan - Villarreal to Brighton (£15.1m). Getty Images
    Pervis Estupinan - Villarreal to Brighton (£15.1m). Getty Images
  • Destiny Udogie - Udinese to Tottenham (£15.1m). Loaned back to Udinese. Reuters
    Destiny Udogie - Udinese to Tottenham (£15.1m). Loaned back to Udinese. Reuters
  • Sergio Gomez - Anderlecht to Manchester City (£11m). Photo: Manchester City
    Sergio Gomez - Anderlecht to Manchester City (£11m). Photo: Manchester City
  • Alex Collado - Barcelona to Elche (loan). AFP
    Alex Collado - Barcelona to Elche (loan). AFP
  • Remo Freuler - Atalanta to Nottingham Forest (£9m). AP
    Remo Freuler - Atalanta to Nottingham Forest (£9m). AP
  • Marc Bartra - Real Betis to Tranbzonspor (undisclosed fee). Getty Images
    Marc Bartra - Real Betis to Tranbzonspor (undisclosed fee). Getty Images
  • Giovani Lo Celso - Tottenham to Villarreal (loan). Getty Images
    Giovani Lo Celso - Tottenham to Villarreal (loan). Getty Images
  • Cheikhou Kouyate - Crystal Palace to Nottingham Forest (free). Getty Images
    Cheikhou Kouyate - Crystal Palace to Nottingham Forest (free). Getty Images
  • Emmanuel Dennis - Watford to Nottingham Forest (£20m). Getty Images
    Emmanuel Dennis - Watford to Nottingham Forest (£20m). Getty Images
  • Nico González - Barcelona to Valencia (loan). AP Photo
    Nico González - Barcelona to Valencia (loan). AP Photo
  • Luca Pellegrini - Juventus to Eintracht Frankfurt (loan). AFP
    Luca Pellegrini - Juventus to Eintracht Frankfurt (loan). AFP
  • Daniel Wass - Atletico Madrid to Brondby (£1.7m). EPA
    Daniel Wass - Atletico Madrid to Brondby (£1.7m). EPA
  • Pablo Marí - Arsenal to Monza (loan). AP
    Pablo Marí - Arsenal to Monza (loan). AP
  • Dries Mertens - Napoli to Galatasaray (free). AFP
    Dries Mertens - Napoli to Galatasaray (free). AFP
  • Jordan Veretout - Roma to Marseille (£9.3m). Reuters
    Jordan Veretout - Roma to Marseille (£9.3m). Reuters
  • Christian Benteke - Crystal Palace to DC United (undisclosed fee). AFP
    Christian Benteke - Crystal Palace to DC United (undisclosed fee). AFP
  • Maxwell Cornet - West Ham United to Burnley (£17.5m). PA
    Maxwell Cornet - West Ham United to Burnley (£17.5m). PA
  • Georginio Wijnaldum - PSG to Roma (loan). AFP
    Georginio Wijnaldum - PSG to Roma (loan). AFP
  • Lucas Torreira - Arsenal to Galatasaray (£5m). AFP
    Lucas Torreira - Arsenal to Galatasaray (£5m). AFP
  • Marc Cucurella - Brighton to Chelsea (£55m). Getty Images
    Marc Cucurella - Brighton to Chelsea (£55m). Getty Images
  • Ademola Lookman - RB Leipzig to Atalanta (£12.6m). PA via AP
    Ademola Lookman - RB Leipzig to Atalanta (£12.6m). PA via AP
  • Renato Sanches - Lille to Paris Saint-Germain (£12.6m). AFP
    Renato Sanches - Lille to Paris Saint-Germain (£12.6m). AFP
  • Riqui Puig - Barcelona to LA Galaxy (free). AP Photo
    Riqui Puig - Barcelona to LA Galaxy (free). AP Photo
  • Alex Telles - Manchester United to Sevilla (loan). AFP
    Alex Telles - Manchester United to Sevilla (loan). AFP
  • Carney Chukwuemeka - Aston Villa to Chelsea (£20m). Reuters
    Carney Chukwuemeka - Aston Villa to Chelsea (£20m). Reuters
  • Kasper Schmeichel - Leicester City to Nice (£1m). AFP
    Kasper Schmeichel - Leicester City to Nice (£1m). AFP
  • Mattia Viti - Empoli to Nice (£10.9m). AFP
    Mattia Viti - Empoli to Nice (£10.9m). AFP
  • Gabriel Slonina - Chicago Fire to Chelsea (£8.3m). Reuters
    Gabriel Slonina - Chicago Fire to Chelsea (£8.3m). Reuters
  • Bernd Leno - Arsenal to Fulham (£3m). AFP
    Bernd Leno - Arsenal to Fulham (£3m). AFP
  • Charles De Ketelaere - Club Brugge to AC Milan (£26.8m). AFP
    Charles De Ketelaere - Club Brugge to AC Milan (£26.8m). AFP
  • Joe Rodon - Tottenham to Stade Rennais (loan). AFP
    Joe Rodon - Tottenham to Stade Rennais (loan). AFP
  • Borja Mayoral - Real Madrid to Getafe (£8.4m). EPA
    Borja Mayoral - Real Madrid to Getafe (£8.4m). EPA
  • Cesc Fabregas - Monaco to Como (free). EPA
    Cesc Fabregas - Monaco to Como (free). EPA
  • Alexis Beka Beaka - Lokomotiv Moscow to Nice (£11.7m). AFP
    Alexis Beka Beaka - Lokomotiv Moscow to Nice (£11.7m). AFP
  • Marcus Tavernier -Middlesbrough to Bournemouth (£10m). Getty Images
    Marcus Tavernier -Middlesbrough to Bournemouth (£10m). Getty Images
  • Aaron Ramsey - Juventus to Nice (free). AFP
    Aaron Ramsey - Juventus to Nice (free). AFP
  • Orel Mangala - Stuttgart to Nottingham Forest (£12.7m). AFP
    Orel Mangala - Stuttgart to Nottingham Forest (£12.7m). AFP
  • David Raum - Hoffenheim to RB Leipzig (£21.8m). Getty Images
    David Raum - Hoffenheim to RB Leipzig (£21.8m). Getty Images
  • Oscar Mingueza - Barcelona to Celta Vigo (£2.5m). Getty Images
    Oscar Mingueza - Barcelona to Celta Vigo (£2.5m). Getty Images
  • Jules Kounde - Sevilla to Barcelona (£45m). AFP
    Jules Kounde - Sevilla to Barcelona (£45m). AFP
  • Dwight McNeil - Burnley to Everton (£20m). Getty Images
    Dwight McNeil - Burnley to Everton (£20m). Getty Images
  • Arnaud Kalimuendo - PSG to Rennes (£21m). Getty Images
    Arnaud Kalimuendo - PSG to Rennes (£21m). Getty Images
  • Filip Kostic - Eintracht Frankfurt to Juventus (£14.4m). EPA
    Filip Kostic - Eintracht Frankfurt to Juventus (£14.4m). EPA
  • Salvatore Sirigu - Genoa to Napoli (free). Reuters
    Salvatore Sirigu - Genoa to Napoli (free). Reuters
  • Mikkel Damsgaard - Sampdoria to Brentford (£12.7m). EPA
    Mikkel Damsgaard - Sampdoria to Brentford (£12.7m). EPA
  • Malang Sarr - Chelsea to Monaco (loan). AFP
    Malang Sarr - Chelsea to Monaco (loan). AFP
  • Issa Diop - West Ham United to Fulham (£15m). Getty Images
    Issa Diop - West Ham United to Fulham (£15m). Getty Images
  • Alexis Sanchez - Internazionale to Marseille (free). Getty Images
    Alexis Sanchez - Internazionale to Marseille (free). Getty Images
  • Timo Werner - Chelsea to RB Leipzig (£18m). AP
    Timo Werner - Chelsea to RB Leipzig (£18m). AP
  • Amadou Onana - Llle to Everton (£33.8m). AFP
    Amadou Onana - Llle to Everton (£33.8m). AFP
  • Emirhan Ilkhan - Besiktas to Torino (£3.8m). PA
    Emirhan Ilkhan - Besiktas to Torino (£3.8m). PA
  • Gonçalo Guedes - Valencia to Wolves (£27.5m). AP Photo
    Gonçalo Guedes - Valencia to Wolves (£27.5m). AP Photo
  • Conor Coady - Wolves to Everton (loan). Getty Images
    Conor Coady - Wolves to Everton (loan). Getty Images
  • Anthony Modeste - Cologne to Borussia Dortmund (£3.8m). EPA
    Anthony Modeste - Cologne to Borussia Dortmund (£3.8m). EPA
  • Angeliño - RB Leipzig to Hoffenheim (loan). Getty Images
    Angeliño - RB Leipzig to Hoffenheim (loan). Getty Images
  • Marcos Senesi - Feyenoord to Bournemouth (£12.6m). AFP
    Marcos Senesi - Feyenoord to Bournemouth (£12.6m). AFP
  • Isco - Real Madrid to Sevilla (free). EPA
    Isco - Real Madrid to Sevilla (free). EPA
  • Raheem Sterling - Manchester City to Chelsea (£50m). Getty Images
    Raheem Sterling - Manchester City to Chelsea (£50m). Getty Images
  • Lisandro Martinez - Ajax to Manchester United (£46m). Getty Images
    Lisandro Martinez - Ajax to Manchester United (£46m). Getty Images
  • Robert Lewandowski - Bayern Munich to Barcelona (£38.3m). AFP
    Robert Lewandowski - Bayern Munich to Barcelona (£38.3m). AFP
  • Hugo Ekitike - Reims to Paris Saint-Germain (loan). AFP
    Hugo Ekitike - Reims to Paris Saint-Germain (loan). AFP
  • Thomas Henry - Venezia to Verona (£3.8m). Getty Images
    Thomas Henry - Venezia to Verona (£3.8m). Getty Images
  • Takefusa Kubo - Real Madrid to Real Sociedad (£5.2m). Getty Images
    Takefusa Kubo - Real Madrid to Real Sociedad (£5.2m). Getty Images
  • Kalidou Koulibaly - Napoli to Chelsea (£33.8m). EPA
    Kalidou Koulibaly - Napoli to Chelsea (£33.8m). EPA
  • Chancel Mbemba - Porto to Marseille (free). EPA
    Chancel Mbemba - Porto to Marseille (free). EPA
  • Breel Embolo - Borussa Monchengladbach to Monaco (£10.6m). EPA
    Breel Embolo - Borussa Monchengladbach to Monaco (£10.6m). EPA
  • Christian Eriksen - Brentford to Manchester United (free). PA
    Christian Eriksen - Brentford to Manchester United (free). PA
  • Raphinha - Leeds United to Barcelona (£49m). Getty Images
    Raphinha - Leeds United to Barcelona (£49m). Getty Images
  • Federico Bernardeschi - Juventus to Toronto FC (free). Getty Images
    Federico Bernardeschi - Juventus to Toronto FC (free). Getty Images
  • Andrea Cambiaso - Genoa to Juventus (£5.9m). Getty Images
    Andrea Cambiaso - Genoa to Juventus (£5.9m). Getty Images
  • Arturo Vidal - Inter Milan to Flamengo (free). Getty Images
    Arturo Vidal - Inter Milan to Flamengo (free). Getty Images
  • Mohamed Bayo - Clermont to Lille (£11.8m). AFP
    Mohamed Bayo - Clermont to Lille (£11.8m). AFP
  • Francisco Trincao - Barcelona to Sporting (loan). Getty Images
    Francisco Trincao - Barcelona to Sporting (loan). Getty Images
  • Samu Castillejo - AC Milan to Valencia (undisclosed fee). PA
    Samu Castillejo - AC Milan to Valencia (undisclosed fee). PA
  • Lewis Ferguson - Aberdeen to Bologna (£3m). PA
    Lewis Ferguson - Aberdeen to Bologna (£3m). PA
  • Keane Lewis-Potter - Hull City to Brentford (£16m). PA
    Keane Lewis-Potter - Hull City to Brentford (£16m). PA
  • Alessio Romagnoli - AC Milan to Lazio (free). Getty Images
    Alessio Romagnoli - AC Milan to Lazio (free). Getty Images
  • Nathan Collins - Burnley to Wolves (£20.5m). PA
    Nathan Collins - Burnley to Wolves (£20.5m). PA
  • Andriy Yarmolenko - West Ham United to Al Ain (free). AP Photo
    Andriy Yarmolenko - West Ham United to Al Ain (free). AP Photo
  • David Ospina - Napoli to Al Nassr (free). Getty Images
    David Ospina - Napoli to Al Nassr (free). Getty Images
  • Kristian Thorstvedt - Genk to Sassuolo (£8.4m). Reuters
    Kristian Thorstvedt - Genk to Sassuolo (£8.4m). Reuters
  • Andreas Pereira -Manchester United to Fulham ( £10m). Getty Images
    Andreas Pereira -Manchester United to Fulham ( £10m). Getty Images
  • Gabriel Jesus - Manchester City to Arsenal (£45m). Getty Images
    Gabriel Jesus - Manchester City to Arsenal (£45m). Getty Images
  • Steven Bergwijn - Tottenham Hotspur to Ajax (£26.5m). AP Photo
    Steven Bergwijn - Tottenham Hotspur to Ajax (£26.5m). AP Photo
  • Andreas Christensen - Chelsea to Barcelona (free). AFP
    Andreas Christensen - Chelsea to Barcelona (free). AFP
  • Sébastien Haller - Ajax to Borussia Dortmund (£30.8m). AFP
    Sébastien Haller - Ajax to Borussia Dortmund (£30.8m). AFP
  • Flynn Downes - Swansea City to West Ham United (£12m). PA
    Flynn Downes - Swansea City to West Ham United (£12m). PA
  • Junior Messias - Crotone to AC Milan (£3.8m). Reuters
    Junior Messias - Crotone to AC Milan (£3.8m). Reuters
  • Luis Sinisterra - Feyenoord to Leeds United (£21.3m). AFP
    Luis Sinisterra - Feyenoord to Leeds United (£21.3m). AFP
  • Brais Méndez - Celta Vigo to Real Sociedad (£12.8m). Getty Images
    Brais Méndez - Celta Vigo to Real Sociedad (£12.8m). Getty Images
  • Moussa Niakhaté - Mainz to Nottingham Forest (£8.7m). Getty Images
    Moussa Niakhaté - Mainz to Nottingham Forest (£8.7m). Getty Images
  • Romeo Lavia - Manchester City to Southmpton (£12m). AP Photo
    Romeo Lavia - Manchester City to Southmpton (£12m). AP Photo
  • Tyler Adams - RB Leipzig to Leeds United (£20m). AP
    Tyler Adams - RB Leipzig to Leeds United (£20m). AP
  • Axel Witsel - Borussia Dortmund to Atletico Madrid (free). EPA
    Axel Witsel - Borussia Dortmund to Atletico Madrid (free). EPA
  • Maya Yoshida - Sampdoria to Schalke (free). AP Photo
    Maya Yoshida - Sampdoria to Schalke (free). AP Photo
  • Tyrell Malacia - Feyenoord to Manchester United (£12.9m). AP Photo
    Tyrell Malacia - Feyenoord to Manchester United (£12.9m). AP Photo
  • Zeki Celik - Lille to Roma (£6m). AFP
    Zeki Celik - Lille to Roma (£6m). AFP
  • Ritsu Doan - PSV Eindhoven to Freiburg (£6.5m). AFP
    Ritsu Doan - PSV Eindhoven to Freiburg (£6.5m). AFP
  • Divock Origi - Liverpool to AC Milan (free). AFP
    Divock Origi - Liverpool to AC Milan (free). AFP
  • Rolando Mandragora - Torino to Fiorentina (£7m). EPA
    Rolando Mandragora - Torino to Fiorentina (£7m). EPA
  • Joao Palhinha - Sporting to Fulham (£17m). Getty Images
    Joao Palhinha - Sporting to Fulham (£17m). Getty Images
  • Franck Kessie - AC Milan to Barcelona (free). Getty Images
    Franck Kessie - AC Milan to Barcelona (free). Getty Images
  • Trezeguet - Aston Villa to Trabzonspor (£3.4m). AFP
    Trezeguet - Aston Villa to Trabzonspor (£3.4m). AFP
  • Kalvin Phillips - Leeds United to Manchester City (£45m). Reuters
    Kalvin Phillips - Leeds United to Manchester City (£45m). Reuters
  • Giulian Biancone - Troyes to Nottingham Forest (£5m). AFP
    Giulian Biancone - Troyes to Nottingham Forest (£5m). AFP
  • Giuliano Simeone - Atletico Madrid to Real Zaragoza (loan). EPA
    Giuliano Simeone - Atletico Madrid to Real Zaragoza (loan). EPA
  • Raoul Bellanova - Cagliari to Inter Milan (loan). Getty Images
    Raoul Bellanova - Cagliari to Inter Milan (loan). Getty Images
  • Richarlison - Everton to Tottenham (£50 million). PA
    Richarlison - Everton to Tottenham (£50 million). PA
  • Fabio Carvalho - Fulham to Liverpool (£5 million). PA
    Fabio Carvalho - Fulham to Liverpool (£5 million). PA
  • James Tarkowski Burnley to Everton (free). Getty Images
    James Tarkowski Burnley to Everton (free). Getty Images
  • Sime Vrsaljko - Atletico Madrid to Olympiakos (free). AP Photo
    Sime Vrsaljko - Atletico Madrid to Olympiakos (free). AP Photo
  • Dean Henderson - Manchester United to Nottingham Forest (loan). PA
    Dean Henderson - Manchester United to Nottingham Forest (loan). PA
  • Luuk de Jong - Sevilla to PSV Eindhoven (£3.4m). AP Photo
    Luuk de Jong - Sevilla to PSV Eindhoven (£3.4m). AP Photo
  • Henrikh Mkhitaryan - Roma to Inter Milan (free). Reuters
    Henrikh Mkhitaryan - Roma to Inter Milan (free). Reuters
  • Cenk Tosun - Everton to Besiktas (free). Reuters
    Cenk Tosun - Everton to Besiktas (free). Reuters
  • Andre Onana - Ajax to Inter Milan (free). Getty
    Andre Onana - Ajax to Inter Milan (free). Getty
  • Moussa Sissoko - Watford to Nantes (£2m). AFP
    Moussa Sissoko - Watford to Nantes (£2m). AFP
  • Corentin Tolisso - Bayern Munich to Lyon (free). AFP
    Corentin Tolisso - Bayern Munich to Lyon (free). AFP
  • Vitinha - Porto to Paris Saint-Germain (£34m). AFP
    Vitinha - Porto to Paris Saint-Germain (£34m). AFP
  • Romelu Lukaku - Chelsea to Inter Milan (loan). PA
    Romelu Lukaku - Chelsea to Inter Milan (loan). PA
  • Lorenzo Insigne - Napoli to Toronto FC (free). AP
    Lorenzo Insigne - Napoli to Toronto FC (free). AP
  • Sven Botman - Lille to Newcastle United (£31.9m). AFP
    Sven Botman - Lille to Newcastle United (£31.9m). AFP
  • Takumi Minamino - Liverpool to Monaco (£15.5m). Getty Images
    Takumi Minamino - Liverpool to Monaco (£15.5m). Getty Images
  • Alphonse Areola - Paris Saint-Germain to West Ham United (£7.8m). AFP
    Alphonse Areola - Paris Saint-Germain to West Ham United (£7.8m). AFP
  • Lucas Leiva - Lazio to Gremo (free). Getty Images
    Lucas Leiva - Lazio to Gremo (free). Getty Images
  • Joselu - Alaves to Espanyol (free). Getty Images
    Joselu - Alaves to Espanyol (free). Getty Images
  • Matt Turner - New England Revolution to Arsenal (£4.7m). Reuters
    Matt Turner - New England Revolution to Arsenal (£4.7m). Reuters
  • Fernandinho - Manchester City to Athletico Paranaense (free). PA
    Fernandinho - Manchester City to Athletico Paranaense (free). PA
  • Bartol Franjic - Dinamo Zagreb to Wolfsburg (£6.9m). Getty Images
    Bartol Franjic - Dinamo Zagreb to Wolfsburg (£6.9m). Getty Images
  • Wahbi Khazri - Saint-Etienne to Montpellier (free). AFP
    Wahbi Khazri - Saint-Etienne to Montpellier (free). AFP
  • Tobias Figueiredo - Hull City to Nottingham Forest (free). PA
    Tobias Figueiredo - Hull City to Nottingham Forest (free). PA
  • Pietro Pellegri - Monaco to Tornio (£3.9m). Getty Images
    Pietro Pellegri - Monaco to Tornio (£3.9m). Getty Images
  • Erling Haaland - Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City. Getty Images
    Erling Haaland - Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City. Getty Images
  • Malcolm Ebiowei - Derby County to Crystal Palace (undisclosed). PA
    Malcolm Ebiowei - Derby County to Crystal Palace (undisclosed). PA
  • Taiwo Awoniyi - Union Berlin to Nottingham Forest (£17m). Getty Images
    Taiwo Awoniyi - Union Berlin to Nottingham Forest (£17m). Getty Images
  • Gareth Bale - Real Madrid to Los Angeles FC (free). PA
    Gareth Bale - Real Madrid to Los Angeles FC (free). PA
  • Lucas Alario - Bayer Leverkusen to Eintracht Frankfurt (£5.6m). PA
    Lucas Alario - Bayer Leverkusen to Eintracht Frankfurt (£5.6m). PA
  • Sadio Mane - Liverpool to Bayern Munich (£28m). Getty Images
    Sadio Mane - Liverpool to Bayern Munich (£28m). Getty Images
  • Armindo Sieb - Bayern Munich to Greuther Fürth (undisclosed fee). Getty Images
    Armindo Sieb - Bayern Munich to Greuther Fürth (undisclosed fee). Getty Images
  • Nick Pope - Burnley to Newcastle (£10m). PA
    Nick Pope - Burnley to Newcastle (£10m). PA
  • Ki-Jana Hoever - Wolves to PSV Eindhoven (loan). PA
    Ki-Jana Hoever - Wolves to PSV Eindhoven (loan). PA
  • Ryan Fredericks - West Ham United to Bournemouth (free). Getty Images
    Ryan Fredericks - West Ham United to Bournemouth (free). Getty Images
  • Mario Götze - PSV Eindhoven to Eintracht Frankfurt (£3.4m). Getty Images
    Mario Götze - PSV Eindhoven to Eintracht Frankfurt (£3.4m). Getty Images
  • Fabio Vieira - Porto to Arsenal (£30m). EPA
    Fabio Vieira - Porto to Arsenal (£30m). EPA
  • Antonio Rudiger - Chelsea to Real Madrid (free). PA
    Antonio Rudiger - Chelsea to Real Madrid (free). PA
  • Merih Demiral - Juventus to Atalanta (£17.2m). AFP
    Merih Demiral - Juventus to Atalanta (£17.2m). AFP
  • Giovanni Simeone - Cagliari to Hellas Verona (£10.3m). AP
    Giovanni Simeone - Cagliari to Hellas Verona (£10.3m). AP
  • Marc Roca - Bayern Munich to Leeds United (£10m). PA
    Marc Roca - Bayern Munich to Leeds United (£10m). PA
  • Yves Bissouma - Brighton to Tottenham (£25m). PA
    Yves Bissouma - Brighton to Tottenham (£25m). PA
  • Gavin Bazunu - Manchester City to Southampton (£12m). PA
    Gavin Bazunu - Manchester City to Southampton (£12m). PA
  • Darwin Nunez - Benfica to Liverpool (£64.3m). PA
    Darwin Nunez - Benfica to Liverpool (£64.3m). PA
  • Aurelien Tchouameni - Monaco to Real Madrid (£85.3m). AFP
    Aurelien Tchouameni - Monaco to Real Madrid (£85.3m). AFP
  • Nemanja Matic - Manchester United to Roma (free). EPA
    Nemanja Matic - Manchester United to Roma (free). EPA
  • Ryan Gravenberch - Ajax to Bayern Munich (£20m). EPA
    Ryan Gravenberch - Ajax to Bayern Munich (£20m). EPA
  • Giorgio Chiellini - Juventus to Los Angeles FC (released). Getty Images
    Giorgio Chiellini - Juventus to Los Angeles FC (released). Getty Images
  • Cameron Carter-Vickers - Tottenham to Celtic (£6m). AFP
    Cameron Carter-Vickers - Tottenham to Celtic (£6m). AFP
  • Alexandre Lacazette - Arsenal to Lyon (free transfer). AFP
    Alexandre Lacazette - Arsenal to Lyon (free transfer). AFP
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo

Power: 201hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 320Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 6-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 8.7L/100km

Price: Dh133,900

On sale: now 

Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

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.
  • Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
  • Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
  • For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
  • Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
  • 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

Honeymoonish
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Elie%20El%20Samaan%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENour%20Al%20Ghandour%2C%20Mahmoud%20Boushahri%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The biog:

From: Wimbledon, London, UK

Education: Medical doctor

Hobbies: Travelling, meeting new people and cultures 

Favourite animals: All of them 

Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Letswork%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202018%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EOmar%20Almheiri%2C%20Hamza%20Khan%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20co-working%20spaces%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%242.1%20million%20in%20a%20seed%20round%20with%20investors%20including%20500%20Global%2C%20The%20Space%2C%20DTEC%20Ventures%20and%20other%20angel%20investors%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20about%2020%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Health Valley

Founded in 2002 and set up as a foundation in 2006, Health Valley has been an innovation in healthcare for more than 10 years in Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
It serves as a place where companies, businesses, universities, healthcare providers and government agencies can collaborate, offering a platform where they can connect and work together on healthcare innovation.
Its partners work on technological innovation, new forms of diagnostics and other methods to make a difference in healthcare.
Its agency consists of eight people, four innovation managers and office managers, two communication advisers and one director. It gives innovation support to businesses and other parties in its network like a broker, connecting people with the right organisation to help them further

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

Profile of VoucherSkout

Date of launch: November 2016

Founder: David Tobias

Based: Jumeirah Lake Towers

Sector: Technology

Size: 18 employees

Stage: Embarking on a Series A round to raise $5 million in the first quarter of 2019 with a 20 per cent stake

Investors: Seed round was self-funded with “millions of dollars” 

GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

The biog

Hometown: Cairo

Age: 37

Favourite TV series: The Handmaid’s Tale, Black Mirror

Favourite anime series: Death Note, One Piece and Hellsing

Favourite book: Designing Brand Identity, Fifth Edition

Updated: August 13, 2022, 5:51 AM