Rwanda frees Paul Rusesabagina of ‘Hotel Rwanda’ fame
March 25, 2023 GMTKIGALI, Rwanda (AP) — Rwanda's government has commuted the 25-year sentence of Paul Rusesabagina, who inspired the film “Hotel Rwanda” for saving hundreds of countrymen from genocide but was convicted of terrorism offenses years later in a widely criticized trial.
Building collapse in Qatar’s capital kills 1, search ongoing
March 22, 2023 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — A building collapsed Wednesday in Qatar's capital, killing at least one person as searchers clawed through the rubble to check for survivors, authorities said.
Qatar's Interior Ministry described the building as a four-story structure in Doha's Bin Durham neighborhood.
Qatar charges ex-finance minister with bribery, embezzlement
March 19, 2023 GMTDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Qatar announced Sunday the nation's former finance minister faces charges including bribery and embezzlement from his time in the post.
Ali Sharif al-Emadi was arrested in May 2021, with little about his case being made public.
Saudi Arabia places order for up to 121 planes from Boeing
March 14, 2023 GMTTwo Saudi Arabian airlines said Tuesday they will order 78 jetliners from Boeing and take options to buy 43 more in a major boost for the American aircraft manufacturer.
The order for Boeing 787s will be divided between Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier, Saudia, and a planned new airline called Riyadh Air, which Saudi officials introduced over the weekend.
Qatar’s top diplomat is sworn in as new prime minister
March 8, 2023 GMTDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Qatar's top diplomat was sworn in as the country's prime minister on Tuesday, replacing another member of the ruling family who had held the post since 2020, state news reported.
EU commission tightens rules after Qatar free travel uproar
March 7, 2023 GMTThe European Commission announced Tuesday that it is tightening rules that allow foreign governments or organizations to pay travel expenses for its staff, a day after the institution conceded that Qatar had provided free flights and accommodation to a top official without independent oversight.
EU watchdog seeks clarity about Qatar travel freebies
March 6, 2023 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union’s administrative watchdog is trying to find out how a top transport official was permitted to fly to Qatar with tickets paid for by the government there, as a major corruption scandal linked to the Gulf state roils the bloc's parliament.
FIFA rules panel stresses need for more added time in games
March 4, 2023 GMTThe 100-minute matches that became routine at the World Cup in Qatar are set to become routine in club soccer, FIFA’s rule-making panel said Saturday.
The panel known as IFAB stressed the need for accurate calculation of time added on for stoppages in play because of injuries, substitutions, time-wasting and goal celebrations.
Proposal urges FIFA to compensate World Cup labor in Qatar
March 1, 2023 GMTGENEVA (AP) — At an upcoming meeting of national soccer federations, FIFA will be urged to compensate migrant workers and families of those who died or were injured on World Cup projects in Qatar.
The issue will be raised by Norwegian soccer officials at the FIFA Congress meeting on March 16 in Rwanda, human rights group Amnesty International said Wednesday.
Medvedev beats Murray in final to win Doha on debut
February 25, 2023 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Daniil Medvedev won the Qatar Open on debut when he defeated Andy Murray 6-4, 6-4 in a final matchup of former No. 1s on Saturday.
Andy Murray saves 5 match points to reach Doha final
February 24, 2023 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Andy Murray saved five match points to beat Jiri Lehecka 6-0, 3-6, 7-6 (6) and advance to the final of the Qatar Open on Friday.
The 35-year-old Murray reached his first ATP Tour final since June and will face former No.
Murray reaches semifinals in Doha, top seed Rublev loses
February 23, 2023 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Andy Murray reached the semifinals of the Qatar Open by beating French qualifier Alexandre Muller 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 on Thursday.
The 35-year-old Murray will next face Jiri Lehecka after the Czech player upset top-seeded Andrey Rublev 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the quarterfinals.
Man United anticipates new owners and a fresh era of success
February 19, 2023 GMTMANCHESTER, England (AP) — It has been a week to remember for Manchester United.
Swiatek sweeps aside Pegula to retain Qatar Open title
February 18, 2023 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Top-ranked Iga Swiatek successfully defended her Qatar Open title after beating No. 4-ranked Jessica Pegula 6-3, 6-0 in the final on Saturday.
Swiatek broke Pegula for 2-0 and 4-2 but both times immediately lost her own serve.
Qatar-based bid for Man United confirmed on deadline day
February 18, 2023 GMTMANCHESTER, England (AP) — A Qatar-based bid for Manchester United was confirmed Friday, with Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani promising to rid the iconic soccer club of debt and return it to its former glories.
Man United sale set to test UEFA rules on multi-club owners
February 17, 2023 GMTGENEVA (AP) — The sale of Manchester United is set to test European rules designed to protect soccer from the integrity risks of owners controlling multiple clubs.
Man United shares rise amid reported Saudi buyout bid
February 16, 2023 GMTMANCHESTER, England (AP) — Shares of Premier League club Manchester United rose sharply Thursday ahead of the deadline for takeover bids and reported interest from Saudi Arabia.
Qatar’s emir watches as PSG stumbles in Champions League
February 15, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — Making a rare visit to the Parc des Princes, the emir of Qatar watched first hand as Paris Saint-Germain came up short on Europe's biggest stage once again.
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani was in the stands as Lionel Messi, Neymar, Kylian Mbappé and the rest of an expensively assembled team lost 1-0 to Bayern Munich on Tuesday, putting the club in danger of another early exit from the Champions League.
From Qatar to Elon Musk, Man United sale rumors grow
February 14, 2023 GMTMANCHESTER, England (AP) — The race is on to buy Manchester United and it will take deep pockets to meet an estimated price of $6 billion.
Domenico Tedesco appointed as Belgium’s new head coach
February 8, 2023 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — Domenico Tedesco has been appointed head coach of Belgium's national team with a mission to rebuild in the aftermath of the Red Devils' World Cup disappointment.
The Belgian federation said Wednesday that the 37-year-old German-Italian, who previously coached Schalke, Spartak Moscow and Leipzig, has signed a deal until after the European Championship next year in Germany.
Qatar hires coach Carlos Queiroz through the 2026 World Cup
February 6, 2023 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Former Portugal and Iran coach Carlos Queiroz has worked at the last four World Cups and was hired on Monday by Qatar to aim for a fifth straight at the next edition hosted in North America.
Qatar boosts influence in Lebanon amid multiple crises
February 4, 2023 GMTBEIRUT (AP) — Most wealthy Gulf Arab nations followed Saudi Arabia’s lead in recent years and ostracized crisis-hit Lebanon because of the growing influence of the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah.
EU assembly lifts immunity of 2 lawmakers linked to scandal
February 2, 2023 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union’s parliament on Thursday removed the protective immunity of two lawmakers linked to one of the bloc’s biggest-ever corruption scandals, paving the way for them to be questioned by Belgian investigators.
Qatar Airways, Airbus reach settlement in A350 legal case
February 1, 2023 GMTLONDON (AP) — Qatar Airways and Airbus have reached a settlement in a longstanding legal dispute over the safety of the A350 jetliner and billions of orders for other planes.
Saudi soccer influence grows by winning seat on FIFA Council
February 1, 2023 GMTSaudi Arabia added to its influence in world soccer on Wednesday, winning a seat on the FIFA Council and then being confirmed as host of the 2027 Asian Cup.
The election win at the Asian Football Confederation’s annual meeting followed Cristiano Ronaldo arrival last month to play in the Saudi league and longstanding speculation about a likely bid to host the World Cup in 2030 or 2034.
Feds drop lobbying probe of retired general, lawyer says
January 31, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department has dropped its probe of retired four-star Gen. John Allen for his role in an alleged illegal foreign lobbying campaign on behalf of the wealthy Persian Gulf nation of Qatar, his lawyer told The Associated Press.
UN expert: Deaths of Bangladeshi migrants should be probed
January 31, 2023 GMTDHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) — The countries where Bangladeshi migrant workers are employed, including former World Cup host Qatar, should thoroughly investigate all cases of deaths and human rights violations, a United Nations expert said Tuesday.
Arnold extends deal as Australia coach to 2026 World Cup
January 30, 2023 GMTSYDNEY (AP) — Graham Arnold is set to become the first coach to lead Australia's men's team at successive FIFA World Cups after signing a four-year contract extension that will take him through the 2026 tournament.
Qatar replaces Russian company in Lebanon gas exploration
January 29, 2023 GMTBEIRUT (AP) — Lebanon, two international oil giants and state-owned oil and gas company Qatar Energy signed an agreement Sunday that the Qatari firm will join a consortium that will search for gas in the Mediterranean Sea off Lebanon’s coast.
Record-chasing Mbappé has Cavani’s PSG mark in his sights
January 26, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — Kylian Mbappé can close in further on Paris Saint-Germain's all-time scoring record when his team hosts Reims on Sunday.
Mbappé's tally of 196 goals for PSG means he is only four behind Edinson Cavani's record for the club.
Qatar player banned after social media post during World Cup
January 19, 2023 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Qatar defender Abdelkarim Hassan was handed an indefinite suspension by the country’s soccer federation on Thursday reportedly following an altercation with a fan over social media.
Klinsmann ‘sad to see’ fallout from Reyna-Berhalter dispute
January 19, 2023 GMTBERLIN (AP) — Former United States coach Jurgen Klinsmann says the fallout from the public dispute between coach Gregg Berhalter and the family of young star Gio Reyna is “obviously not looking good” for U.S.
Key EU corruption suspect makes deal to earn leniency
January 17, 2023 GMTSTRASBOURG, France (AP) — The alleged ringleader of a European Union cash-for-influence corruption scandal linked to Qatar and Morocco has decided to reveal information about the affair in exchange for a lighter sentence, Belgian prosecutors said Tuesday.
Top EU lawmakers say no party immune to potential corruption
January 17, 2023 GMTSTRASBOURG, France (AP) — Senior members of the European Union’s parliament conceded Tuesday that a corruption scandal ravaging the assembly’s reputation could have happened to any political group, as Belgian prosecutors focus on lawmakers and an assistant from the main center-left bloc.
Scandal-hit EU political group starts damage limitation work
January 16, 2023 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — The major center-left political group embroiled in a corruption scandal at the European Parliament will seek this week to insulate itself from more fallout in the cash-for-influence affair linked to Qatar and Morocco as Belgian justice authorities target its members.
Messi scores in 1st game after World Cup as PSG wins
January 11, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — Lionel Messi scored in his first game since leading Argentina to the World Cup title as French league leader Paris Saint-Germain beat Angers 2-0 on Wednesday.
Yedlin, Zimmerman praise embattled US coach Berhalter
January 11, 2023 GMTSAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — National team defenders DeAndre Yedlin and Walker Zimmerman praised U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter for bringing the Americans together at the World Cup in Qatar, even as he's currently under investigation by U.S.
New Portugal coach Martínez pledges to talk to Ronaldo
January 9, 2023 GMTLISBON, Portugal (AP) — Former Belgium coach Roberto Martínez was hired to lead Portugal's national team on Monday and pledged to respect Cristiano Ronaldo's history with the squad.
The Spaniard replaces Fernando Santos, who quit in December after Portugal’s elimination against Morocco in the quarterfinals of the World Cup.
Ronaldo set to face PSG, Messi in first game in Saudi Arabia
January 9, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo’s first game in Saudi Arabia is set to be against Paris Saint-Germain and a possible reunion with his career-long rival Lionel Messi.
Bayern Munich back in Qatar amid sponsorship uncertainty
January 6, 2023 GMTBERLIN (AP) — The Bayern Munich team flew to Qatar on Friday for its winter training camp amid uncertainty over the club’s contentious sponsorship agreement with the Persian Gulf country.
State-owned Qatar Airways’ lucrative advertising deal is due to expire at the end of the season and there is pressure on the Bavarian powerhouse from its own fans not to extend it.
Morocco says EU ties under attack amid corruption scandal
January 5, 2023 GMTRABAT, Morocco (AP) — Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said Thursday that the north African country is the target of calculated media attacks and legal harassment aimed at undermining ties with the European Union, weeks after Belgian authorities implicated Morocco in a major corruption scandal.
Faruk Hadzibegic returns as Bosnia coach
January 4, 2023 GMTSARAJEVO, Bosnia (AP) — Former Yugoslavia international Faruk Hadzibegic has been reappointed as Bosnia-Herzegovina coach in place of Ivaylo Petev, the country's soccer federation said on Wednesday.
Uruguay striker Luis Suárez joining Brazil’s Gremio
December 31, 2022 GMTPORTO ALEGRE, Brazil (AP) — Uruguay striker Luis Suárez is joining Gremio, the Brazilian club said Saturday.
The 35-year-old Suárez was a free agent after he left his boyhood club Nacional before the World Cup in Qatar.
Court says EU corruption scandal suspect must remain in jail
December 22, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — A former European Parliament vice president suspected of being at the center of one of the European Union’s biggest corruption scandals is to be kept in prison for at least another month, Belgian prosecutors said Thursday.
Grant Wahl’s life celebrated at New York City gathering
December 22, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Grant Wahl was remembered for his peripatetic life as a sportswriter, pursuit of social justice and lasting impact on family, friends and people he mentored.
FIFA mostly wins big but loses some trust at Qatar World Cup
December 19, 2022 GMTEven before an epic final won by Lionel Messi and Argentina, FIFA president Gianni Infantino was calling it “the best World Cup ever” in Qatar.
Messi, Mbappe give Qatar the perfect World Cup ending
December 19, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — When it comes to soccer, money can buy the world.
It can pay for the World Cup. And the world’s best players. And it can bundle them all up into a perfect package and present it to a global audience of millions.
Messi finally wins World Cup; what’s next for Argentina?
December 19, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Lionel Messi ended his long wait for the World Cup title in one of the most memorable finals in history.
Messi was at his most inspirational, scoring two goals to take his total for the tournament to seven and delivering his country's third World Cup triumph as Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties after a 3-3 draw through extra time.
2026 World Cup hosts take diplomatic handover from Qatar
December 19, 2022 GMTLUSAIL, Qatar (AP) — A diplomatic delegation from the three host countries of the 2026 World Cup were in Qatar on Sunday for a handover ceremony ahead of the final between France and Argentina.
The United States, Mexico and Canada will stage soccer’s biggest event in less than 3½ years.
AP PHOTOS: World Cup highlights from Day 24
December 18, 2022 GMTHighlights from the 24th day of the World Cup in Qatar on Sunday.
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AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Messi wins World Cup, Argentina beats France on penalties
December 18, 2022 GMTLUSAIL, Qatar (AP) — Lionel Messi, wearing a black Qatari robe over his blue-and-white Argentina shirt, kissed the World Cup, shuffled toward his teammates and hoisted the golden trophy high in the air.
Live updates | Argentina wins World Cup final against France
December 18, 2022 GMTLUSAIL, Qatar (AP) — The Latest from the World Cup final between Argentina and France:
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Lionel Messi says he cannot wait to return to Argentina with the World Cup trophy.
Messi makes his record 26th appearance at the World Cup
December 18, 2022 GMTLUSAIL, Qatar (AP) — Lionel Messi is making a record 26th appearance at the World Cup, breaking a tie with Germany great Lothar Matthäus.
Messi’s games have been spread over five World Cups, starting in 2006.
Argentines wake up dreaming of World Cup glory in Qatar
December 18, 2022 GMTBUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Zeyda Cipra has been so anxious all week about Argentina's match against France in the World Cup final that she couldn’t avoid talking about how she was feeling with her psychologist.
Southgate to stay on as England manager after World Cup
December 18, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — After saying he needed time to consider his future, England coach Gareth Southgate has confirmed he will stay on beyond the World Cup.
Southgate has moved quickly to end the uncertainty around his job by informing the FA of his intention to lead the team at the European Championships in 2024.
AP PHOTOS: World Cup highlights from Day 23
December 17, 2022 GMTHighlights from the 23rd day of the World Cup in Qatar on Saturday.
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AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Qatar offers World Cup visitors an introduction to Islam
December 17, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Fatima Garcia donned a headscarf and a black abaya — a long, loose-fitting robe — over her clothes as she walked into a mosque in Doha to learn about Islam.
In Qatar to enjoy the World Cup with friends, the Salvadoran visitor took a day off from soccer to go sightseeing at the Katara mosque, where preachers have been introducing Islam in multiple languages to curious fans from around the world.
Argentines flock to Qatar for chance to win the World Cup
December 17, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — From a soccer-crazed country known for its world-class players and its repeated economic crises, Argentine fans are making great sacrifices to be in Qatar to see their team try to win the World Cup for the first time in 36 years.
More questions than answers as EU corruption scandal unfolds
December 17, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — No one answers the door or the phone at the offices of the two campaign groups linked to a cash-for-favors corruption scandal at the European Union’s parliament, allegedly involving Qatar.
FIFA targets $11 billion in revenue through 2026 World Cup
December 16, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — FIFA expects to earn $11 billion in the 2026 World Cup cycle with a 48-team men’s tournament in North America set to deliver a big increase in revenue amid ongoing uncertainty about the exact match schedule.
At World Cup, women shrug off worries over dress codes
December 16, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Coming from Brazil for the World Cup in Qatar, Daniela Crawford had been worried about conservative dress codes. But like many women attending the tournament, she said she found no problems.
Macron returns to Qatar for love of sport, despite criticism
December 16, 2022 GMTPARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron is about to jet off to Qatar for the second time in a week, despite broad concerns about the emirate's human rights and environmental record. Why? Because France is in the World Cup final, and Macron really is a big soccer fan — as well as a prominent advocate of the longstanding partnership between the two countries.
What would a more sustainable World Cup look like?
December 16, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Paris 2024 Olympics will be “climate positive,” organizers claim. The men’s World Cup in 2026 — to be held in Mexico, the U.S. and Canada — will be the “lowest-carbon FIFA World Cup of the modern era,” if promises pan out.
Morocco picked by FIFA to host Club World Cup in February
December 16, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Morocco was rewarded by FIFA on Friday with hosting rights for the next Club World Cup in February, with an expanded 32-team edition set to launch in 2025.
European champion Real Madrid, South American champion Flamengo and Seattle Sounders, the first CONCACAF Champions League winner from the United States, will play in the traditional seven-team tournament from Feb.
France struck by cold virus ahead of World Cup final
December 15, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — A cold virus is running through the France squad ahead of the World Cup final against Argentina on Sunday, affecting at least three players in the squad.
At ‘Church City,’ a taste of Catholic life in Qatar
December 15, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Hymns echo through the spacious, blue-walled church. The congregants listen to the Gospel and the homily. They kneel, eyes closed and hands clasped in prayer or palms turned skyward.
AP PHOTOS: World Cup highlights from Day 21
December 14, 2022 GMTHighlights from the 21st day of the World Cup in Qatar on Wednesday.
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AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Morocco airline says 7 World Cup flights to Qatar canceled
December 14, 2022 GMTRABAT, Morocco (AP) — Morocco’s national carrier says seven flights that were meant to take soccer fans to Qatar for Morocco’s historic World Cup semifinal on Wednesday against France have been canceled because of restrictions by Qatari authorities.
Worker dies after fall at World Cup stadium in Qatar
December 14, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — A security guard died after suffering a fall at a World Cup stadium in Qatar, tournament organizers said on Wednesday.
The Supreme Committee said that John Njau Kibue fell at Lusail Stadium on Saturday.
AP PHOTOS: World Cup highlights from Day 20
December 13, 2022 GMTHighlights from the 20th day of the World Cup in Qatar on Tuesday.
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AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
EU reels as scandal tarnishes parliament’s credibility
December 13, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union’s parliament was reeling Tuesday with its credibility under threat, as a corruption scandal damaged lawmakers’ careers and fingers were pointed at Qatari officials accused of bribing them to play down labor rights concerns ahead of the soccer World Cup.
Fans wrestle with a (largely) beer-free World Cup in Qatar
December 13, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Let’s be clear: They definitely wanted beer.
So a group of guys from Nottinghamshire, England – veterans of boozy soccer matches back home — fumed when they discovered no beer would be sold until halftime of the Brazil-Croatia game at the main Doha fan zone, one of the few places where World Cup fans can have alcohol.
Decisions loom in Asia ahead of next championship cycle
December 13, 2022 GMTSEOUL, South Korea (AP) — One is definitely staying on. One is already gone. One among the maybes doesn't want to talk about his immediate football future while he's on vacation.
The six teams from Asia are home after the continent’s most successful World Cup group stage ever.
Police raid more EU Parliament offices in corruption probe
December 12, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — Belgian police conducted more raids at European Parliament offices Monday as the legislature's president pledged to launch an internal investigation into corruption allegations and the bloc's top official called for the creation of an EU-wide independent ethics body.
Stadium sensory rooms allow fans World Cup games experience
December 12, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Away from the roaring noise, lights and fireworks of World Cup games, there’s a safe space for fans who might get overwhelmed in a stadium environment.
AP PHOTOS: Qatar bustles with life as World Cup nears end
December 12, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Qatar is still bustling with life just days before the end of the first World Cup in the Middle East.
At Katara beach in Doha, children play soccer on the golden sand during the day, while others go for a swim at night in waters lit by the capital's glimmering skyline.
Morocco’s tactical masterplan ignites unlikely World Cup run
December 11, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou leant back in his chair, shook his head and said: “Pinch me, I’m dreaming.”
Yes, Morocco really is in the World Cup semifinals.
Ecstatic Moroccans celebrate World Cup victory over Portugal
December 10, 2022 GMTRABAT, Morocco (AP) — Ecstatic Moroccans poured into the streets of cities across the North African country and far beyond on Saturday, waving flags, honking horns and lighting flares to celebrate the national soccer team's historic victory over Portugal at the World Cup.
EU parliament chief takes action as lobbying scandal simmers
December 10, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — A vice president of the European Union’s parliament was suspended from her duties on Saturday after being caught up in an investigation into influence peddling at the EU assembly allegedly involving officials from Qatar.