Category: Soccer

Shakhtar Donetsk Claims FIFA Rule Is Hurting Teams From Ukraine

The New York Times – Sports:
A hearing will be held over a rule that allows overseas players to suspend their contracts with Ukrainian teams during the Russian invasion.
Qatar Got the World Cup It Wanted

The New York Times – Sports:
In the end, after a tournament shadowed by controversy since the host rights were awarded, Qatar had the turn in the global spotlight it sought.
Behind Argentina’s World Cup Magic, an Army of Witches

The New York Times – Sports:
France might have its star Kylian Mbappé, but Argentina has hundreds of “brujas” casting spells to protect Lionel Messi and the rest of its national squad.
Kylian Mbappé Is Ready to Make Messi’s Moment His Own

The New York Times – Sports:
The France and Argentina stars are teammates at Qatar-owned Paris St.-Germain. But when they collide in the World Cup final, both have much to gain, and a lot to lose.
Kylian Mbappé Is Ready to Make Messi’s Moment His Own

The New York Times – Sports:
The France and Argentina stars are teammates at Qatar-owned Paris St.-Germain. But when they collide in the World Cup final, both have much to gain, and a lot to lose.
It’s the World Cup Souvenir Everyone Wants. Getting One Is the Hard Part.

The New York Times – Sports:
A game-worn Lionel Messi jersey is the most coveted collectible in Qatar. Good luck getting hold of the one (or two) he wears in the World Cup final.
Leaders Mix Sports and Diplomacy at the World Cup

The New York Times – Sports:
Dozens of top officials have flown to Qatar to cheer for teams while talking shop. The event has magnified the tiny Gulf nation’s role as a diplomatic broker.
David Beckham Is the World Cup’s Missing Mouthpiece

The New York Times – Sports:
Qatar paid David Beckham tens of millions of dollars to promote the country and its interests. To its frustration, it has not received much return on the investment.
When World Cup Reality Isn’t What It Seems

The New York Times – Sports:
In Qatar, where the line between the artificial and the authentic has blurred or evaporated, it was the people, as always, who defined the tournament.
Qatar Bribery Case Cracks Open European Parliament — and Finds Hidden Cash

The New York Times – Sports:
Prosecutors say the glamorous lifestyle of a European lawmaker masked a Qatari corruption scandal. It exposed how vulnerable Brussels is to foreign influence.
Why Don’t More Underdogs Contend for the World Cup Title?

The New York Times – Sports:
Roster depth and a punishing schedule are just two of the factors that teams like Morocco and Croatia must overcome.
Keeping the National in National Team Coach

The New York Times – Sports:
There is nothing in the rules that requires a World Cup team to be managed by someone born, raised or otherwise connected to that country. So should it matter?