Saudi Arabia to host FIFA Club World Cup 2023
ZURICH, Feb 15: Saudi Arabia has been named the host of the FIFA Club World Cup 2023, scheduled to take place from December 12-22.“In relation to the FIFA Club World Cup 2023, which is due to be played under the current format with seven clubs, the FIFA Council unanimously appointed the Saudi Arabian Football Federation as tournament hosts from 12 to 22 December 2023,” the FIFA said in a statement on Tuesday night.The unanimous decision was made at a FIFA Council meeting and came only a few days after Real Madrid lifted the trophy in Morocco, following a thrilling 5-3 win over Al-Hilal, the first Saudi club to reach the final of the tournament.Saudi Arabia will be only the sixth host of the competition since its inception in 2000.(IANS)
Skubala to remain in temporary charge of Leeds
LONDON, Feb 15: Leeds United have announced that Michael Skubala will remain in charge of the club for the near future along with assistants, Paco Gallarco and Chris Arnas.The trio have been in charge since Jesse Marsch was sacked as first team coach on February 6 after a run of results left the club on the verge of the relegation zone.Both of the games where Skubala has been in the dugout have been against Manchester United, with a creditable 2-2 draw in Old Trafford last Wednesday and a 2-0 defeat at Elland Road on Sunday. (IANS)
China national football boss arrested on corruption charges
BEIJING, Feb 15: The head of China’s national soccer federation has been arrested on corruption charges in the latest blow to the country’s effort to grow its standing at home and internationally.A one-sentence statement from the ruling Communist Party’s anti-graft watchdog body said Chen Shuyuan had been placed under investigation by national and Hubei provincial sports bodies. No details were given about the accusations against him.Chen is head of the Chinese Football Association and vice chair of its party committee, underscoring the government’s heavy hand in attempting to direct success in the game.(PTI)