• Fans gather outside the stadium to protest against the European Super League prior to the La Liga match between Cadiz and Real Madrid on Wednesday, April 21. Getty
    Fans gather outside the stadium to protest against the European Super League prior to the La Liga match between Cadiz and Real Madrid on Wednesday, April 21. Getty
  • Fans gather outside the stadium to protest against the European Super League. Getty
    Fans gather outside the stadium to protest against the European Super League. Getty
  • Fans gather outside the stadium to protest against the European Super League. Getty
    Fans gather outside the stadium to protest against the European Super League. Getty
  • The Cadiz team bus is welcomed in by fans prior to the La Liga match against Real Madrid. Getty
    The Cadiz team bus is welcomed in by fans prior to the La Liga match against Real Madrid. Getty
  • Fans gather outside the stadium to protest against the European Super League prior to the La Liga match between Cadiz and Real Madrid. Getty
    Fans gather outside the stadium to protest against the European Super League prior to the La Liga match between Cadiz and Real Madrid. Getty
  • Cadiz's Alvaro Negredo, left, and Salvi Sanchez wear t-shirts that read in Spanish: "Super League? Soccer belongs to everyone" and "Soccer belongs to supporters" prior to the match. AP
    Cadiz's Alvaro Negredo, left, and Salvi Sanchez wear t-shirts that read in Spanish: "Super League? Soccer belongs to everyone" and "Soccer belongs to supporters" prior to the match. AP
  • Karim Benzema scores their first goal against Cadiz rom the penalty spot. Reuters
    Karim Benzema scores their first goal against Cadiz rom the penalty spot. Reuters
  • Real Madrid's Alvaro Odriozola celebrates scoring their second goal against Cadiz. Reuters
    Real Madrid's Alvaro Odriozola celebrates scoring their second goal against Cadiz. Reuters
  • Karim Benzema scores the third. Reuters
    Karim Benzema scores the third. Reuters
  • Karim Benzema celebrates. Reuters
    Karim Benzema celebrates. Reuters
  • Real Madrid president Florentino Perez arrives at a radio station to give an interview. Reuters
    Real Madrid president Florentino Perez arrives at a radio station to give an interview. Reuters

Zidane Zidane: Banning Real Madrid from next season's Champions League would be absurd


  • English
  • Arabic

Zinedine Zidane has said the idea that Real Madrid could be banned from next year's Champions League is "absurd" after the attempt to form a breakaway competion collapsed in spectacular fashion.

Real president Florentino Perez was the driving force behind the European Super League that launched last week, sparking an angry backlash from fans, players and managers across the continent.

Madrid will host Chelsea in Tuesday's Champions League semi-final first leg, with the threat of expulsion from next term's competition by Uefa still hanging over their heads.

"It's absurd to think that we won't be in the Champions League next season," Zidane said on Monday.

"A lot has been said, but all we can do is focus on tomorrow's game. We're not in control of the rest so there's always going to be talk, but for me of course you want to see Madrid in next season's Champions League.

"The president [Perez] knows what I feel [about the Super League] in my heart. We're just focused on tomorrow's game.

"The rest is not that we are not interested, it's just not the moment to talk about it."

Perez was one of the main protagonists in driving the failed Super League, that was launched on Sunday, April 18 but fell apart just 48 hours later.

England's 'big six' clubs had signed up to the project, but Chelsea and Manchester City withdrew on Tuesday and the plans quickly crumbled.

Liverpool 0 Real 0: player ratings

  • LIVERPOOL PLAYER RATINGS: Alisson Becker - 6. The Brazilian did not see much action against a cautious Real but he was alert when needed. The best moment was a superb stop when Vinicius ran free on goal in the second half. PA
    LIVERPOOL PLAYER RATINGS: Alisson Becker - 6. The Brazilian did not see much action against a cautious Real but he was alert when needed. The best moment was a superb stop when Vinicius ran free on goal in the second half. PA
  • Trent Alexander-Arnold - 7. The 22-year-old was impressive at both ends of the pitch. He did not allow Vinicius the same freedom as in the first leg. The team rely too much on the full-back's crossing but his delivery was very good. PA
    Trent Alexander-Arnold - 7. The 22-year-old was impressive at both ends of the pitch. He did not allow Vinicius the same freedom as in the first leg. The team rely too much on the full-back's crossing but his delivery was very good. PA
  • Nathaniel Phillips - 6. The centre back was lucky to get away with a mistake when he was robbed by Benzema but he stood strong overall. He made a couple of cynical challenges when caught out. Getty Images
    Nathaniel Phillips - 6. The centre back was lucky to get away with a mistake when he was robbed by Benzema but he stood strong overall. He made a couple of cynical challenges when caught out. Getty Images
  • Ozan Kabak - 6. The Turk gave the ball away too often but was not put under severe pressure by Real. He was quick to stop counter-attacks. Substituted for Jota with 30 minutes left. AFP
    Ozan Kabak - 6. The Turk gave the ball away too often but was not put under severe pressure by Real. He was quick to stop counter-attacks. Substituted for Jota with 30 minutes left. AFP
  • Andrew Robertson - 6. The Scot worked relentlessly up and down the wing and provided an outlet when the central players needed help. He always looked for the crossfield pass to release teammates into space. Reuters
    Andrew Robertson - 6. The Scot worked relentlessly up and down the wing and provided an outlet when the central players needed help. He always looked for the crossfield pass to release teammates into space. Reuters
  • James Milner - 7. The 35-year-old went close with a shot from distance and put himself about. He made a crucial interception in his own area before being replaced by Thiago on the hour. Getty Images
    James Milner - 7. The 35-year-old went close with a shot from distance and put himself about. He made a crucial interception in his own area before being replaced by Thiago on the hour. Getty Images
  • Fabinho - 7. The Brazilian was much better than in the first leg. He ensured his side had the advantage in midfield and protected the defence. AP
    Fabinho - 7. The Brazilian was much better than in the first leg. He ensured his side had the advantage in midfield and protected the defence. AP
  • Georginio Wijnaldum - 6. The Dutchman was keen to get forward and executed a couple of splendid turns in midfield to get attacks started. He had one great chance but skied the ball over the bar just before half time. EPA
    Georginio Wijnaldum - 6. The Dutchman was keen to get forward and executed a couple of splendid turns in midfield to get attacks started. He had one great chance but skied the ball over the bar just before half time. EPA
  • Mohamed Salah - 6. The Egyptian wasted a wonderful chance to bring his team back into the tie early in the first half. He kept the defence unnerved but was unable to make his menace pay off. Getty Images
    Mohamed Salah - 6. The Egyptian wasted a wonderful chance to bring his team back into the tie early in the first half. He kept the defence unnerved but was unable to make his menace pay off. Getty Images
  • Roberto Firmino - 6. The Brazilian failed to pick out Alexander-Arnold when in a dangerous position before the break. He had a number of half chances in the second period, the best of which was blocked by Militao. He made way for Oxlade-Chamberlain with eight minutes left. Getty Images
    Roberto Firmino - 6. The Brazilian failed to pick out Alexander-Arnold when in a dangerous position before the break. He had a number of half chances in the second period, the best of which was blocked by Militao. He made way for Oxlade-Chamberlain with eight minutes left. Getty Images
  • Sadio Mane - 6. The Senegalese started brightly and made life difficult for Valverde. He never carried through with the threat and faded before being replaced by Shaqiri in the 82nd minute. Getty Images
    Sadio Mane - 6. The Senegalese started brightly and made life difficult for Valverde. He never carried through with the threat and faded before being replaced by Shaqiri in the 82nd minute. Getty Images
  • SUBS: Thiago Alcantara - 5. The 30-year-old came on for Milner with half an hour left but could not change the game. By then Real were sitting deep and the passing lanes were closed down. Reuters
    SUBS: Thiago Alcantara - 5. The 30-year-old came on for Milner with half an hour left but could not change the game. By then Real were sitting deep and the passing lanes were closed down. Reuters
  • Diogo Jota - 6. The Portuguese replaced Kabak in the 60th minute but found himself aiming for goal from narrow angles. He shot into the side-netting but never worried Courtois. Reuters
    Diogo Jota - 6. The Portuguese replaced Kabak in the 60th minute but found himself aiming for goal from narrow angles. He shot into the side-netting but never worried Courtois. Reuters
  • Xherdan Shaqiri - 6. The Swiss had lots of touches in the eight minutes remaining after he replaced Mane but the defence kept him at arm’s length. He tried hard to no avail. Getty Images
    Xherdan Shaqiri - 6. The Swiss had lots of touches in the eight minutes remaining after he replaced Mane but the defence kept him at arm’s length. He tried hard to no avail. Getty Images
  • Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - 5. The Englishman joined the game after Firmino’s substitution with eight minutes left. He had one good run in stoppage time but it finished with an aimless cross. PA
    Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - 5. The Englishman joined the game after Firmino’s substitution with eight minutes left. He had one good run in stoppage time but it finished with an aimless cross. PA
  • REAL MADRID PLAYER RATINGS: Thibaut Courtois - 8. The Belgian made two vital saves from Salah at the beginning and end of the game, the first setting the tone for the match. In between he was excellent, making a spectacular full-stretch stop from Milner. EPA
    REAL MADRID PLAYER RATINGS: Thibaut Courtois - 8. The Belgian made two vital saves from Salah at the beginning and end of the game, the first setting the tone for the match. In between he was excellent, making a spectacular full-stretch stop from Milner. EPA
  • Federico Valverde - 7. The midfielder was deployed at right back. He struggled with Mane early on but grew into the game and produced a fine pass to create a chance for Vinicius. PA
    Federico Valverde - 7. The midfielder was deployed at right back. He struggled with Mane early on but grew into the game and produced a fine pass to create a chance for Vinicius. PA
  • Eder Militao - 7. The Brazilian made a fantastic block from Firmino in the second half and looked composed throughout. He was good in the air against the barrage of crosses. Reuters
    Eder Militao - 7. The Brazilian made a fantastic block from Firmino in the second half and looked composed throughout. He was good in the air against the barrage of crosses. Reuters
  • Nacho - 8. The 31-year-old fourth-choice centre back ensured any danger was dealt with quickly. He made a number of important clearances and used his experience to lead the defence. Reuters
    Nacho - 8. The 31-year-old fourth-choice centre back ensured any danger was dealt with quickly. He made a number of important clearances and used his experience to lead the defence. Reuters
  • Ferland Mendy - 6. The Frenchman got into some awkward situations but used his pace to bail himself out. Made a poor clearance late on. PA
    Ferland Mendy - 6. The Frenchman got into some awkward situations but used his pace to bail himself out. Made a poor clearance late on. PA
  • Luka Modric - 6. The Croat was given too much freedom to pick his passes but was not his usual precise self. He was aware that Real did not need to be gung-ho and played conservatively. Reuters
    Luka Modric - 6. The Croat was given too much freedom to pick his passes but was not his usual precise self. He was aware that Real did not need to be gung-ho and played conservatively. Reuters
  • Casemiro - 8. The Brazilian was up for a battle and got it. He scythed through Milner and broke up attacks repeatedly. The 29-year-old was not backing down and led by example. PA
    Casemiro - 8. The Brazilian was up for a battle and got it. He scythed through Milner and broke up attacks repeatedly. The 29-year-old was not backing down and led by example. PA
  • Toni Kroos - 5. The German was nowhere near as influential as in the first leg in Madrid. He was not given time to pick out long passes and took a cautious approach. Replaced by Odriozola with 18 minutes left. Getty Images
    Toni Kroos - 5. The German was nowhere near as influential as in the first leg in Madrid. He was not given time to pick out long passes and took a cautious approach. Replaced by Odriozola with 18 minutes left. Getty Images
  • Marco Asensio - 5. A quiet night for the 25-year-old. Real’s emphasis was on stopping Liverpool getting back into the tie and he saw too little of the ball. AP
    Marco Asensio - 5. A quiet night for the 25-year-old. Real’s emphasis was on stopping Liverpool getting back into the tie and he saw too little of the ball. AP
  • Karim Benzema - 6. The Frenchman had a deflected pass hit the post after dispossessing Phillips. He missed a free header in the second half that would have killed the tie. On the plus side, he led the line well and held the ball up. Getty Images
    Karim Benzema - 6. The Frenchman had a deflected pass hit the post after dispossessing Phillips. He missed a free header in the second half that would have killed the tie. On the plus side, he led the line well and held the ball up. Getty Images
  • Vinicius Junior - 5. The Brazilian was kept quiet by the defence and on the one occasion he showed his pace, the winger was foiled by Alisson. Taken off for Rodrygo with 18 minutes to go. Getty Images
    Vinicius Junior - 5. The Brazilian was kept quiet by the defence and on the one occasion he showed his pace, the winger was foiled by Alisson. Taken off for Rodrygo with 18 minutes to go. Getty Images
  • SUBS: Alvaro Odriozola - 6. The defender was brought on for Kroos to shore up the back line with 18 minutes left. He did his job well with rigorous blocks and tackles. PA
    SUBS: Alvaro Odriozola - 6. The defender was brought on for Kroos to shore up the back line with 18 minutes left. He did his job well with rigorous blocks and tackles. PA
  • Rodrygo - 5. Replaced Vinicius after 72 minutes but made little impact. He joined the game at the point Real sat deeper and deeper. AFP
    Rodrygo - 5. Replaced Vinicius after 72 minutes but made little impact. He joined the game at the point Real sat deeper and deeper. AFP
  • Isco - 6. Sent on for Asensio with eight minutes left. He reinforced the defence and helped see out the closing minutes. Getty Images
    Isco - 6. Sent on for Asensio with eight minutes left. He reinforced the defence and helped see out the closing minutes. Getty Images

Real have yet to officially admit defeat on the Super League, with Perez insisting the project will be revived and that the 12 clubs have signed a "binding contract" to its formation.

Asked if Real face any embarrassment over the lingering situation, Zidane replied: "We have a match tomorrow, I'm sorry but I'm not going to answer about that. Right now people are talking a lot about whether we will be in the competition next year or not.

"We have to pay attention to tomorrow's match. We don't control that, there's going to be a lot of conversation, and I'm just giving my opinion.

"We want to see Real Madrid in the next Champions League, and that's it."

Local media have suggested referees might now treat Real differently but the Frenchman brushed aside those suggestions.

"The only thing that's important to us is what goes on on the pitch," he said. "The referee will do his job and we're just thinking about playing football. If we start thinking about everything that's being said, if we think that will go against us and we'll be punished, then we'll mess up.

"We'll fight in this game for 90 minutes and won't get involved in the rest."

Former Chelsea talisman Eden Hazard is finally fit after the latest in a litany of debilitating injuries in his two seasons at Madrid.

And Zidane revealed the Belgium playmaker is finally unimpeded, just in time to take on his old club.

"He played 20 minutes the other day and he felt quite good," said Zidane. "The most important thing is that he doesn't feel anything about his problem.

"He's quite well, he's with us, he's happy to be with us and contribute to the team a lot."

Hazard came off the bench during the goalless draw against Real Betis on Saturday to play his first 15 minutes in almost three months.

"He played with spark, with energy," said Zidane. "We're going to need him."

Real 3 Liverpool 1: player ratings

  • REAL MADRID RATINGS: Thibaut Courtois - 6: Hardly any pressure was applied on the Belgian. He was confident on crosses and could do little for the goal. Getty
    REAL MADRID RATINGS: Thibaut Courtois - 6: Hardly any pressure was applied on the Belgian. He was confident on crosses and could do little for the goal. Getty
  • Lucas Vazquez - 6: The right back was disciplined and ensured that Mane and Robertson found little joy down his wing. He played Salah onside for the goal. AFP
    Lucas Vazquez - 6: The right back was disciplined and ensured that Mane and Robertson found little joy down his wing. He played Salah onside for the goal. AFP
  • Eder Militao - 7: The only real lapse in an assured performance was when Jota ran at him in the lead-up to Liverpool's goal. He easily dealt with Mane when the Senegalese drifted inside. EPA
    Eder Militao - 7: The only real lapse in an assured performance was when Jota ran at him in the lead-up to Liverpool's goal. He easily dealt with Mane when the Senegalese drifted inside. EPA
  • Nacho - 7: The 31-year-old was supposed to be a weak link in the injury-hit defence but excelled. He was calm, won most of his tackles and distributed the ball well. AP
    Nacho - 7: The 31-year-old was supposed to be a weak link in the injury-hit defence but excelled. He was calm, won most of his tackles and distributed the ball well. AP
  • Ferland Mendy - 7: The Frenchman ranged down the left wing and produced a nice cross for Vinicius early on. He was more restrained in the second half and was largely untroubled defensively. AFP
    Ferland Mendy - 7: The Frenchman ranged down the left wing and produced a nice cross for Vinicius early on. He was more restrained in the second half and was largely untroubled defensively. AFP
  • Luka Modric - 7: The Croat set the tempo from deep in the midfield. He provided the pass for the third goal and his class was obvious throughout. Getty
    Luka Modric - 7: The Croat set the tempo from deep in the midfield. He provided the pass for the third goal and his class was obvious throughout. Getty
  • Casemiro - 7: The Brazilian’s role was to bolster the defence and he swept up loose balls and cut out danger. His passing was at its best when he kept things simple. AFP
    Casemiro - 7: The Brazilian’s role was to bolster the defence and he swept up loose balls and cut out danger. His passing was at its best when he kept things simple. AFP
  • Toni Kroos - 8: The German picked out Vinicius with a marvellous long ball to open the scoring and tested the defence with his passing. He was behind most of Real’s best work. EPA
    Toni Kroos - 8: The German picked out Vinicius with a marvellous long ball to open the scoring and tested the defence with his passing. He was behind most of Real’s best work. EPA
  • Marco Asensio - 7: The 25-year-old seized on a defensive mistake and scored the second goal with aplomb. He wasted a dangerous counter attack in the second half and was replaced by Valverde after 70 minutes. Getty
    Marco Asensio - 7: The 25-year-old seized on a defensive mistake and scored the second goal with aplomb. He wasted a dangerous counter attack in the second half and was replaced by Valverde after 70 minutes. Getty
  • Karim Benzema - 7: The Frenchman was not allowed any real opportunities but contributed some astute passing and movement to create space for team-mates. AFP
    Karim Benzema - 7: The Frenchman was not allowed any real opportunities but contributed some astute passing and movement to create space for team-mates. AFP
  • Vinicius Junior - 8: The 20-year-old scored two and caused havoc with his direct running. His first strike showed marvellous technique and his second showed the value of shooting early. The damage to Liverpool was done by the time he was withdrawn for Rodrygo with five minutes left. Getty
    Vinicius Junior - 8: The 20-year-old scored two and caused havoc with his direct running. His first strike showed marvellous technique and his second showed the value of shooting early. The damage to Liverpool was done by the time he was withdrawn for Rodrygo with five minutes left. Getty
  • SUBS: Federico Valverde - 6: The Uruguayan came on for Asenio with 20 minutes left. He brought energy to the midfield and helped see the game out. AP
    SUBS: Federico Valverde - 6: The Uruguayan came on for Asenio with 20 minutes left. He brought energy to the midfield and helped see the game out. AP
  • Rodrygo - 5: The 20-year-old replaced Vinicius for the final five minutes. He ran hard but did not have enough time to make a significant impact. Getty
    Rodrygo - 5: The 20-year-old replaced Vinicius for the final five minutes. He ran hard but did not have enough time to make a significant impact. Getty
  • LIVERPOOL RATINGS: Alisson Becker - 4: The Brazilian was let down by his defenders for the first two goals but should have done much better on the third. AFP
    LIVERPOOL RATINGS: Alisson Becker - 4: The Brazilian was let down by his defenders for the first two goals but should have done much better on the third. AFP
  • Trent Alexander-Arnold - 3: A terrible first half for the 22-year-old. He should have been more aware for the first goal and his misplaced header set up the second. Better after half time but a bad night overall. AFP
    Trent Alexander-Arnold - 3: A terrible first half for the 22-year-old. He should have been more aware for the first goal and his misplaced header set up the second. Better after half time but a bad night overall. AFP
  • Nathaniel Phillips - 4: The centre back was effective in the air but his flaws were exposed by Real. He was caught in no-man’s land for Vinicius’ opener and was too far away from the Brazilian striker for the third goal. EPA
    Nathaniel Phillips - 4: The centre back was effective in the air but his flaws were exposed by Real. He was caught in no-man’s land for Vinicius’ opener and was too far away from the Brazilian striker for the third goal. EPA
  • Ozan Kabak - 4: The Turk started well and was alert to early danger. He lost composure as the defence struggled and was lucky not to be embarrassed by a mishit back pass. Replaced by Firmino with nine minutes left. AFP
    Ozan Kabak - 4: The Turk started well and was alert to early danger. He lost composure as the defence struggled and was lucky not to be embarrassed by a mishit back pass. Replaced by Firmino with nine minutes left. AFP
  • Andrew Robertson - 5: The Scot was the best of Liverpool’s defenders but the bar was low. He lacked his usual zest and was ineffective going forward. Getty
    Andrew Robertson - 5: The Scot was the best of Liverpool’s defenders but the bar was low. He lacked his usual zest and was ineffective going forward. Getty
  • Fabinho - 4: The Brazilian never got to the pace of the Real midfield. He was unusually static and easily bypassed by the home side's crisp passing. PA
    Fabinho - 4: The Brazilian never got to the pace of the Real midfield. He was unusually static and easily bypassed by the home side's crisp passing. PA
  • Georginio Wijnaldum - 4: The Dutchman gave away possession too often. He had a brief flurry in the second half and contributed to his team’s goal but then backslid into anonymity. AP
    Georginio Wijnaldum - 4: The Dutchman gave away possession too often. He had a brief flurry in the second half and contributed to his team’s goal but then backslid into anonymity. AP
  • Naby Keita - 2: A dreadful performance. The Guinean contributed little to the game and was dragged off before half time and replaced by Thiago. His time at Anfield is running out. AP
    Naby Keita - 2: A dreadful performance. The Guinean contributed little to the game and was dragged off before half time and replaced by Thiago. His time at Anfield is running out. AP
  • Mohamed Salah - 6: The Egyptian hardly touched the ball for 51 minutes but took his chance and scored when the opportunity arose. He tried his best to eke out another goal but was starved of service. AFP
    Mohamed Salah - 6: The Egyptian hardly touched the ball for 51 minutes but took his chance and scored when the opportunity arose. He tried his best to eke out another goal but was starved of service. AFP
  • Diogo Jota - 5: The Portuguese dropped too deep in the first half but his direct run and blocked shot brought Liverpool back into the game when the ball fell to Salah. Taken off for Firmino in the 81st minute. AFP
    Diogo Jota - 5: The Portuguese dropped too deep in the first half but his direct run and blocked shot brought Liverpool back into the game when the ball fell to Salah. Taken off for Firmino in the 81st minute. AFP
  • Sadio Mane - 4: The Senegalese seemed to do everything in slow motion. He looks badly in need of a prolonged rest. Even on bad days he has been a handful this season but the Real defence were unworried by his presence. AFP
    Sadio Mane - 4: The Senegalese seemed to do everything in slow motion. He looks badly in need of a prolonged rest. Even on bad days he has been a handful this season but the Real defence were unworried by his presence. AFP
  • SUBS: Thiago Alcantara - 4: The 29-year-old replaced Keita before half time and improved the side but he was unable to wrest the impetus from Real. He was lucky to get away with an ill-advised attempt to control the ball on his chest in his own area. PA
    SUBS: Thiago Alcantara - 4: The 29-year-old replaced Keita before half time and improved the side but he was unable to wrest the impetus from Real. He was lucky to get away with an ill-advised attempt to control the ball on his chest in his own area. PA
  • Roberto Firmino - 4: The Brazilian tried to get on the ball after entering the game for Jota with nine minutes left but he only found blind alleys. AFP
    Roberto Firmino - 4: The Brazilian tried to get on the ball after entering the game for Jota with nine minutes left but he only found blind alleys. AFP
  • Xherdan Shaqiri - 4: Joined the action for Kabak in the 81st minute. The Swiss saw a lot of the ball and made a lot of sideways passes. EPA
    Xherdan Shaqiri - 4: Joined the action for Kabak in the 81st minute. The Swiss saw a lot of the ball and made a lot of sideways passes. EPA
MATCH INFO

Manchester City 6 Huddersfield Town 1
Man City: Agüero (25', 35', 75'), Jesus (31'), Silva (48'), Kongolo (84' og)
Huddersfield: Stankovic (43')

MATCH INFO

Real Madrid 2

Vinicius Junior (71') Mariano (90 2')

Barcelona 0

I Feel Pretty
Dir: Abby Kohn/Mark Silverstein
Starring: Amy Schumer, Michelle Williams, Emily Ratajkowski, Rory Scovel
 

BMW M5 specs

Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor

Power: 727hp

Torque: 1,000Nm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh650,000

Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

U19 World Cup in South Africa

Group A: India, Japan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka

Group B: Australia, England, Nigeria, West Indies

Group C: Bangladesh, Pakistan, Scotland, Zimbabwe

Group D: Afghanistan, Canada, South Africa, UAE

UAE fixtures

Saturday, January 18, v Canada

Wednesday, January 22, v Afghanistan

Saturday, January 25, v South Africa

UAE squad

Aryan Lakra (captain), Vriitya Aravind, Deshan Chethyia, Mohammed Farazuddin, Jonathan Figy, Osama Hassan, Karthik Meiyappan, Rishabh Mukherjee, Ali Naseer, Wasi Shah, Alishan Sharafu, Sanchit Sharma, Kai Smith, Akasha Tahir, Ansh Tandon

Key findings of Jenkins report
  • Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
  • Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
  • Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
  • Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
Results

International 4, United States 1

Justin Thomas and Tiger Woods (US) beat Marc Leishman and Joaquin Niemann (International) 4 and 3.

Adam Hadwin and Sungjae Im (International) beat Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay (US) 2 up.

Adam Scott and Byeong Hun An (International) beat Bryson DeChambeau and Tony Finau (US) 2 and 1.

Hideki Matsuyama and C.T. Pan (International) beat Webb Simpson and Patrick Reed (US) 1 up.

Abraham Ancer and Louis Oosthuizen (International) beat Dustin Johnson and Gary Woodland (US) 4 and 3.

Mountain%20Boy
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Zainab%20Shaheen%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Naser%20Al%20Messabi%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE%20SQUAD
%3Cp%3E%0DJemma%20Eley%2C%20Maria%20Michailidou%2C%20Molly%20Fuller%2C%20Chloe%20Andrews%20(of%20Dubai%20College)%2C%20Eliza%20Petricola%2C%20Holly%20Guerin%2C%20Yasmin%20Craig%2C%20Caitlin%20Gowdy%20(Dubai%20English%20Speaking%20College)%2C%20Claire%20Janssen%2C%20Cristiana%20Morall%20(Jumeirah%20English%20Speaking%20School)%2C%20Tessa%20Mies%20(Jebel%20Ali%20School)%2C%20Mila%20Morgan%20(Cranleigh%20Abu%20Dhabi).%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Pupils in Abu Dhabi are learning the importance of being active, eating well and leading a healthy lifestyle now and throughout adulthood, thanks to a newly launched programme 'Healthy Lifestyle'.

As part of the Healthy Lifestyle programme, specially trained coaches from City Football Schools, along with Healthpoint physicians have visited schools throughout Abu Dhabi to give fun and interactive lessons on working out regularly, making the right food choices, getting enough sleep and staying hydrated, just like their favourite footballers.

Organised by Manchester City FC and Healthpoint, Manchester City FC’s regional healthcare partner and part of Mubadala’s healthcare network, the ‘Healthy Lifestyle’ programme will visit 15 schools, meeting around 1,000 youngsters over the next five months.

Designed to give pupils all the information they need to improve their diet and fitness habits at home, at school and as they grow up, coaches from City Football Schools will work alongside teachers to lead the youngsters through a series of fun, creative and educational classes as well as activities, including playing football and other games.

Dr Mai Ahmed Al Jaber, head of public health at Healthpoint, said: “The programme has different aspects - diet, exercise, sleep and mental well-being. By having a focus on each of those and delivering information in a way that children can absorb easily it can help to address childhood obesity."

Sunday's games

Liverpool v West Ham United, 4.30pm (UAE)
Southampton v Burnley, 4.30pm
Arsenal v Manchester City, 7pm

RESULTS

5pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000, 2,400m
Winner: Recordman, Richard Mullen (jockey), Satish Seemar (trainer)

5.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh 70,000, 2,200m​​​​​​​
Winner: AF Taraha, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel

6pm: Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic Prestige (PA) Dh110,000, 1,400m​​​​​​​
Winner: Dhafra, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel

6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Colts Classic Prestige (PA) Dh110,000, 1,400m​​​​​​​
Winner: Maqam, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel

7pm: Handicap (PA) Dh85,000, 1,600m​​​​​​​
Winner: AF Momtaz, Fernando Jara, Musabah Al Muhairi

7.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000, 1,600m​​​​​​​
Winner: Optimizm, Patrick Cosgrave, Abdallah Al Hammadi

French business

France has organised a delegation of leading businesses to travel to Syria. The group was led by French shipping giant CMA CGM, which struck a 30-year contract in May with the Syrian government to develop and run Latakia port. Also present were water and waste management company Suez, defence multinational Thales, and Ellipse Group, which is currently looking into rehabilitating Syrian hospitals.

Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.

“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.

“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.

“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”

UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

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

ICC men's cricketer of the year

2004 - Rahul Dravid (IND) ; 2005 - Jacques Kallis (SA) and Andrew Flintoff (ENG); 2006 - Ricky Ponting (AUS); 2007 - Ricky Ponting; 2008 - Shivnarine Chanderpaul (WI); 2009 - Mitchell Johnson (AUS); 2010 - Sachin Tendulkar (IND); 2011 - Jonathan Trott (ENG); 2012 - Kumar Sangakkara (SL); 2013 - Michael Clarke (AUS); 2014 - Mitchell Johnson; 2015 - Steve Smith (AUS); 2016 - Ravichandran Ashwin (IND); 2017 - Virat Kohli (IND); 2018 - Virat Kohli; 2019 - Ben Stokes (ENG); 2021 - Shaheen Afridi