The Arab League ministerial committee which was formed to oversee normalisation with the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has suspended meetings with regime representatives.

Arab League 'suspends talks' with Syrian regime

In a diplomatic comeback, Syria and Iraq are making efforts to build ties. The Iraqi prime minister has become the first Iraqi leader to visit Damascus since the outbreak of the Syrian war in 2011. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad hosted the Iraqi prime minister for talks in Damascus.

Iraq's PM in Syria: Syria back in Arab League after 13 years

Semi-automated offside technology which was trialled during February's FIFA Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi and last year's Arab Cup. It was also used at the World Cup in Qatar and the group stage of this season's Champions League. After a series of successful use, this VAR technology will now be used for Serie A football league competition which is set to go on from 4 January 2023 to 4 June 2023. There are overall 38 rounds which are to be played in Serie A league and this VAR technology will be used from the 20th round in the last week of January after consultation with the Italian Referees Association (AIA). The announcement was made by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on Monday.&nbsp;

New AIA President soon&nbsp;

The decision to utilise VAR technology in Serie A matches was announced during the FIGC board meeting on Monday. In the meeting, FIGC President Gabriel Gravina also announced that, after Alfredo Trentalange's resignation on Sunday, elections for a new head of AIA will be held within 90 days. This comes as the nation's refereeing association (AIA) searches for a new president after the resignation of former AIA President Alfredo Trentalange due to a drug controversy. When it became known that Rosario D'Onofrio, the AIA's head prosecutor, had been detained for taking part in an international drug trafficking conspiracy, Trentalange was held accountable.

When Rosario D'Onofrio applied to be promoted to prosecutor, AIA claimed that he omitted from them the fact that he had previously been placed under house arrest for drugs offences. D'Onofrio was one of several persons who were detained in November. According to the FIGC, their own inquiries showed that D'Onofrio was under house arrest when he was chosen prosecutor in early 2021 and that between September of last year and this September "he was not once authorised to leave his home."

How does this semi-automated offside VAR tech work?

The new system tracks the ball using 12 specialised tracking cameras positioned below the stadium's roof and analyses up to 29 data points for each player, 50 times per second, to determine their precise location on the field. All limbs and extremities that are important for determining offside are included in the 29 data points that were gathered, as per FIFA. The innovative system automatically alerts the VAR match officials inside the video operation room if the ball is received by an attacker who was in an offside position when the ball was played by a teammate by merging the limb-and ball-tracking data and using artificial intelligence.

The video match officials manually verify the automatically generated kick point and the automatically generated offside line, which is based on the computed locations of the players' limbs, before advising the on-field referee of the proposed decision. Offside judgements may be made more quickly and precisely thanks to this technique, which just takes a few seconds to complete.

Check the animated video of the VAR tech here&nbsp;

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Offside Tech controversies

Offside rulings have been a contentious issue in Italy since the implementation of VAR, with one especially odd judgement penalising Juventus against Salernitana back in September. A VAR review determined that Leonardo Bonucci was offside and interfered with play, disallowing Arkadiusz Milik's header in the last seconds of stoppage time that would have given Juve a 3-2 victory. The later-released video proved that Salernitana's Antonio Candreva had kept everyone onside, but the VAR officials failed to notice him since he was standing behind the corner flag.

Incredulous at how the judgement could have gone wrong with so many cameras at the Allianz Stadium, the decision infuriated football fans and commentators around Italy in addition to Juve. At the time, AIA claimed that the VAR authorities lacked access to cameras which would have demonstrated that Milik's goal ought to have stood.

Semi-automated offside technology which was trialled during February's FIFA Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi and last year's Arab Cup. It was also used at the World Cup in Qatar and the group stage of this season's Champions League.

Semi-automated offside technology which was trialled during February's FIFA Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi and last year's Arab Cup. It was also used at the World Cup in Qatar and the group stage of this season's Champions League. After a series of successful use, this VAR technology will now be used for Serie A football league competition which is set to go on from 4 January 2023 to 4 June 2023. There are overall 38 rounds which are to be played in Serie A league and this VAR technology will be used from the 20th round in the last week of January after consultation with the Italian Referees Association (AIA). The announcement was made by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on Monday. New AIA President soon The decision to utilise VAR technology in Serie A matches was announced during the FIGC board meeting on Monday. In the meeting, FIGC President Gabriel Gravina also announced that, after Alfredo Trentalange's resignation on Sunday, elections for a new head of AIA will be held within 90 days. This comes as the nation's refereeing association (AIA) searches for a new president after the resignation of former AIA President Alfredo Trentalange due to a drug controversy. When it became known that Rosario D'Onofrio, the AIA's head prosecutor, had been detained for taking part in an international drug trafficking conspiracy, Trentalange was held accountable. When Rosario D'Onofrio applied to be promoted to prosecutor, AIA claimed that he omitted from them the fact that he had previously been placed under house arrest for drugs offences. D'Onofrio was one of several persons who were detained in November. According to the FIGC, their own inquiries showed that D'Onofrio was under house arrest when he was chosen prosecutor in early 2021 and that between September of last year and this September "he was not once authorised to leave his home." How does this semi-automated offside VAR tech work? The new system tracks the ball using 12 specialised tracking cameras positioned below the stadium's roof and analyses up to 29 data points for each player, 50 times per second, to determine their precise location on the field. All limbs and extremities that are important for determining offside are included in the 29 data points that were gathered, as per FIFA. The innovative system automatically alerts the VAR match officials inside the video operation room if the ball is received by an attacker who was in an offside position when the ball was played by a teammate by merging the limb-and ball-tracking data and using artificial intelligence. The video match officials manually verify the automatically generated kick point and the automatically generated offside line, which is based on the computed locations of the players' limbs, before advising the on-field referee of the proposed decision. Offside judgements may be made more quickly and precisely thanks to this technique, which just takes a few seconds to complete. Check the animated video of the VAR tech here × Offside Tech controversies Offside rulings have been a contentious issue in Italy since the implementation of VAR, with one especially odd judgement penalising Juventus against Salernitana back in September. A VAR review determined that Leonardo Bonucci was offside and interfered with play, disallowing Arkadiusz Milik's header in the last seconds of stoppage time that would have given Juve a 3-2 victory. The later-released video proved that Salernitana's Antonio Candreva had kept everyone onside, but the VAR officials failed to notice him since he was standing behind the corner flag. Incredulous at how the judgement could have gone wrong with so many cameras at the Allianz Stadium, the decision infuriated football fans and commentators around Italy in addition to Juve. At the time, AIA claimed that the VAR authorities lacked access to cameras which would have demonstrated that Milik's goal ought to have stood.

Semi-automated offside VAR at Serie A League 2022-2023, hunt for new AIA president

Saudi Arabia has announced a new golf league to challenge the PGA tour. The attractive prize money has lured a handful of top golfers to the Saudi-backed league. How will this move affect the world of golf? Is this another instance of sports washing? Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you.

Gravitas: Saudi league splits top golfers

Ahead of the IPL 2022 playoffs, here's some notable surprises the cricket fans witnessed in a riveting 70-match league stage of the 15th season.

IPL 2022: Notable surprises from a riveting league stage

Saudi Arabia will host all five groups in the western half of the Asian Champions League, the Asian Football Confederation announced on Thursday.

Riyadh will host matches involving defending champions Al Hilal in their home city in Group A, which also features Istiklol from Turkmenistan, Qatar's Al Rayyan and a playoff winner.

Group B, which involves Mumbai City, Al Jazira from the United Arab Emirates, Al Shabab of Saudi Arabia and Iraq's Air Force Club, will also play in Riyadh.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/everton-suspends-all-commercial-sponsorships-with-russian-companies-with-immediate-effect-458227">Everton suspends all commercial sponsorships with Russian companies with immediate effect</a>

Jeddah will host Foolad from Iran, Shabab Al Ahli Dubai, Al Gharafa of Qatar and Turkmenistan's Ahal in Group C, while Group D, featuring Sepahan of Iran, Al Duhail from Qatar, Uzbekistan`s Pakhtakor and a playoff winner, will be held in Buraidah.

Group E will be played in Dammam and will feature Qatar's Al Sadd, Al Faisaly from Saudi Arabia, Jordanian side Al Wehdat and a playoff winner.

Matches are scheduled to begin on April 7 with the winners of each group advancing to the last 16 alongside the three clubs with the best runners-up records.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roman-abramovich-wants-to-get-rid-of-chelsea-so-he-offered-to-sell-it-says-swiss-billionaire-hansjorg-wyss-458199">Roman Abramovich wants to get rid of Chelsea so he offered to sell it, says Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss</a>

The venues for the five groups in the eastern side of the draw were announced last month, with matches to be played in Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia.

Games in the east will kick off on April 15.

The group phase in this year's Asian Champions League is being played in centralised biosecure bubbles to limit travel due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Saudi Arabia will host all five groups in the western half of the Asian Champions League, the Asian Football Confederation announced on Thursday. Riyadh will host matches involving defending champions Al Hilal in their home city in Group A, which also features Istiklol from Turkmenistan, Qatar's Al Rayyan and a playoff winner.

Saudi Arabia will host all five groups in the western half of the Asian Champions League, the Asian Football Confederation announced on Thursday. Riyadh will host matches involving defending champions Al Hilal in their home city in Group A, which also features Istiklol from Turkmenistan, Qatar's Al Rayyan and a playoff winner. Group B, which involves Mumbai City, Al Jazira from the United Arab Emirates, Al Shabab of Saudi Arabia and Iraq's Air Force Club, will also play in Riyadh. ALSO READ: Everton suspends all commercial sponsorships with Russian companies with immediate effect Jeddah will host Foolad from Iran, Shabab Al Ahli Dubai, Al Gharafa of Qatar and Turkmenistan's Ahal in Group C, while Group D, featuring Sepahan of Iran, Al Duhail from Qatar, Uzbekistan`s Pakhtakor and a playoff winner, will be held in Buraidah. Group E will be played in Dammam and will feature Qatar's Al Sadd, Al Faisaly from Saudi Arabia, Jordanian side Al Wehdat and a playoff winner. Matches are scheduled to begin on April 7 with the winners of each group advancing to the last 16 alongside the three clubs with the best runners-up records. ALSO READ: Roman Abramovich wants to get rid of Chelsea so he offered to sell it, says Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss The venues for the five groups in the eastern side of the draw were announced last month, with matches to be played in Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia. Games in the east will kick off on April 15. The group phase in this year's Asian Champions League is being played in centralised biosecure bubbles to limit travel due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Asian Champions League: Saudi Arabia set to host group matches

Under-19 cricketing star and influential pacer of Kolkata got a golden opportunity to play with one of the great cricketing icons of India, Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

MS Dhoni has inspired thousands of youngsters to take up cricket as their profession and even on the field, Mahi has been guiding the newcomers to improve their skills.

On Thursday host Kolkata defeated Chennai by six wickets but after winning the game, 19-year old Shivam Mavi met and interacted former skipper of India and&nbsp;MSD, who is back in his vintage form. MSD&nbsp;shared some valuable pieces&nbsp;advice to the youngster&nbsp;Shivam Mavi.

Paceman Shivam shared a picture of him with Dhoni on social networking site with the caption, "The pieces of advice you gave me after the match are highly appreciated and words can neither qualify nor quantify your guidance and useful advice.

"Your perseverance, integrity and people-loving nature are just a few of your qualities that continue to inspire me," he further added.

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The pieces of advice you gave me after the match are highly appreciated and words can neither qualify nor quantify your guidance and useful advice. Your perseverance, integrity and people-loving nature are just a few of your qualities that continue to inspire me. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mahibhai?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mahibhai</a>♥️ <a href="https://t.co/CfRB2mTDnD">pic.twitter.com/CfRB2mTDnD</a>
— Shivam Mavi (@ShivamMavi23) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShivamMavi23/status/992333789505445888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"The pieces of advice you gave me after the match are highly appreciated and words can neither qualify nor quantify your guidance and useful advice," says Shivam Mavi for MS Dhoni

Under-19 cricketing star and influential pacer of Kolkata got a golden opportunity to play with one of the great cricketing icons of India, Mahendra Singh Dhoni. MS Dhoni has inspired thousands of youngsters to take up cricket as their profession and even on the field, Mahi has been guiding the newcomers to improve their skills. On Thursday host Kolkata defeated Chennai by six wickets but after winning the game, 19-year old Shivam Mavi met and interacted former skipper of India and MSD, who is back in his vintage form. MSD shared some valuable pieces advice to the youngster Shivam Mavi. Paceman Shivam shared a picture of him with Dhoni on social networking site with the caption, "The pieces of advice you gave me after the match are highly appreciated and words can neither qualify nor quantify your guidance and useful advice. "Your perseverance, integrity and people-loving nature are just a few of your qualities that continue to inspire me," he further added. The pieces of advice you gave me after the match are highly appreciated and words can neither qualify nor quantify your guidance and useful advice. Your perseverance, integrity and people-loving nature are just a few of your qualities that continue to inspire me. #Mahibhai♥️ pic.twitter.com/CfRB2mTDnD — Shivam Mavi (@ShivamMavi23) May 4, 2018 ×

MS Dhoni continues to inspire me: Shivam Mavi

Premier League clubs have already splashed out 475 million Pounds ($631 million) since the transfer window reopened in July, according to business analysts Deloitte. 
 
Bolstered by the increased revenue from the Premier League&#39;s new 5.1 billion television deals, the 20 top-flight teams have been throwing money at a host of new signings, and Deloitte says the spending could shatter the 1 billion mark for the first time in the pre-season window. 
 
The current figure of 475 million is slightly less than the 515 million spent by Premier League teams at the same stage in 2015, which led to an eventual 870 million outlay in the whole window. 
 
Leroy Sane&#39;s million dollar move to Manchester City is not included in the figures, as it was only confirmed on Tuesday. And the spending figure would rise significantly if Manchester United complete their reported world record 100 million move for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba. 
 
Chelsea, linked with a 65 million deal for Everton striker Romelu Lukaku, could also add to the rising transfer total. 
 
&quot;The prospect of increased revenue from the new broadcast deals next season has encouraged Premier League clubs to invest in this window in order to be as competitive as possible,&quot; Alex Thorpe, senior manager in the sports business group at Deloitte, told the BBC. 
 
&quot;With a month of the window still to go, some significant deals in the pipeline and a number of clubs yet to enter the market, we may see another summer of record Premier League spending, possibly breaking the one billion barrier for the first time.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

Leroy Sane's million dollar move to Manchester City wasn't included in the figures, as it was only confirmed on Tuesday

Premier League clubs have already splashed out 475 million Pounds ($631 million) since the transfer window reopened in July, according to business analysts Deloitte. Bolstered by the increased revenue from the Premier League's new 5.1 billion television deals, the 20 top-flight teams have been throwing money at a host of new signings, and Deloitte says the spending could shatter the 1 billion mark for the first time in the pre-season window. The current figure of 475 million is slightly less than the 515 million spent by Premier League teams at the same stage in 2015, which led to an eventual 870 million outlay in the whole window. Leroy Sane's million dollar move to Manchester City is not included in the figures, as it was only confirmed on Tuesday. And the spending figure would rise significantly if Manchester United complete their reported world record 100 million move for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba. Chelsea, linked with a 65 million deal for Everton striker Romelu Lukaku, could also add to the rising transfer total. "The prospect of increased revenue from the new broadcast deals next season has encouraged Premier League clubs to invest in this window in order to be as competitive as possible," Alex Thorpe, senior manager in the sports business group at Deloitte, told the BBC. "With a month of the window still to go, some significant deals in the pipeline and a number of clubs yet to enter the market, we may see another summer of record Premier League spending, possibly breaking the one billion barrier for the first time." (AFP)

English Premier League clubs' transfer spending nears 500 million

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