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      Steve Luckings

      Steve Luckings

      Sports Editor
      Location
      Abu Dhabi
      Steve is one of the of The National “originals”, arriving in Abu Dhabi in January 2008 to help launch the paper three months later. He has held a number of positions including online editor, page editor, senior sports editor and now sports editor. Steve has more than 15 years’ experience across a variety of media platforms. He writes comment and analysis on everything from football to rugby to boxing and is a regular guest on The National’s sport podcasts.
      Follow on XLinkedInMail

      Articles

      The first training session for Iraqi national team in Monterrey, Mexico, in preparation for the Intercontinental Playoff for the 2026 World Cup. Photo: Iraq National Football Team
      Camera5
      World Cup play-offs: Iraq look to clinch spot as Italy aim to end 12-year exile

      Tournaments to take place in Mexico and Europe to decide remaining six places

      FootballMarch 24, 2026
      The 2026 Dubai World Cup will be held at Meydan Racecourse. Chris Whiteoak / The National
      Dubai World Cup 2026: Tickets, prize money and all you need to know

      Event at Meydan Racecourse set to take place on March 28 despite Iran attacks

      SportMarch 23, 2026
      Cristiano Ronaldo is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Reuters
      Cristiano Ronaldo left out of Portugal squad – but World Cup place 'not a risk'

      Al Nassr captain, who has mild muscle injury, delivers Eid message to millions

      FootballMarch 22, 2026
      Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, right, in action against Real Madrid. EPA
      League Cup: Reijnders says victory over Arsenal can boost City's title hopes

      Dutch international looking to win his first trophy since moving to the Etihad last summer

      FootballMarch 21, 2026
      The UAE missed out on qualification to the 2026 World Cup, but could yet benefit if Iran formally withdraw from the tournament. AFP
      Could UAE take Iran's place at Fifa World Cup?

      Iraq likely to be main beneficiary, but Fifa has no codified rule on selecting replacements

      FootballMarch 12, 2026
      Karim Benzema returned to action and the goals in Al Hilal's 4-0 win over Al Najmah. Getty Images
      Saudi Pro League talking points: Benzema back and Toney's praise for Ahli fans

      Al Hilal look to keep pressure on league leaders Al Nassr with only nine rounds remaining

      FootballMarch 12, 2026
      Preparations for this year's Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse are going ahead as scheduled, the Dubai Racing Club has said. Chris Whiteoak / The National
      Dubai World Cup to go ahead despite Iran attacks

      Some horses from US and Japan have pulled out of event as European trainers monitor conflict in region

      SportMarch 10, 2026
      Francis Ngannou was released by the PFL last week. Chris Whiteoak / The National
      Francis Ngannou added to Ronda Rousey Netflix card

      Former UFC heavyweight champion will take on Philipe Lins on May 16 - his first MMA bout in more than two years

      Combat SportsMarch 10, 2026
      Walid Regragui said he was worn out after four years in charge of the Morocco national team. AFP
      Walid Regragui leaves Morocco post months before 2026 World Cup

      Mohamed Ouahbi, who led country to first U20 World Cup in Chile last year, will take over as coach

      FootballMarch 06, 2026
      Cristiano Ronaldo was withdrawn injured during Al Nassr's most recent match - a 3-1 win over Al Fayha. Reuters
      Ronaldo still in Riyadh but unlikely to play any time soon: SPL talking points

      Al Nassr confirm Portuguese star has a hamstring injury and set to miss match against Neom

      FootballMarch 05, 2026
      Floyd Mayweather will warm up for his September rematch against Manny Pacquiao with an exhibition bout against kickboxer Mike Zambidis. AFP
      Mayweather to face veteran kickboxer ahead of Pacquiao rematch

      Boxing legend will take on Mike Zambidis in Athens exhibition before September bout with Filipino star

      Combat SportsMarch 03, 2026
      Graeme Souness, seen here at the Wimbledon Championships on July 5, 2025, was one of thousands of passengers who had their travel plans from the Middle East disrupted following the closure of airspace after Iran launched attacks on Gulf countries. AFP
      Liverpool legend Souness impacted by Gulf airspace shutdown on UAE visit

      Former manager posts video revealing 'loud bangs' overhead as he was due to fly back to UK

      FootballMarch 01, 2026
      Real Madrid were paired against Manchester City in Friday's Uefa Champions League last-16 draw. Getty Images
      Uefa Champions League draw: Real Madrid and Man City to meet again

      Matches will be played on March 10/11 and 17/18

      FootballFebruary 27, 2026
      Al Ahli forward Galeno, right, had a goal ruled out for offside in the 1-0 win over Al Riyadh. Getty Images
      Al Ahli reclaim top spot from Ronaldo's Al Nassr with narrow win over Al Riyadh

      An own goal by Milan Borjan gifted Al Ahli all three points to move them back to the Saudi Pro League summit

      FootballFebruary 27, 2026
      Ivan Toney's hat-trick in the win over Al Najma took him to 23 goals in the 2025/26 Saudi Pro League season. Getty Images
      Ivan Toney must let his goals do the talking after Damac flashpoint

      Al Ahli striker involved in bizarre spat with Damac defender, later trolling him on social media

      FootballFebruary 25, 2026
      More Articles

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