The Australian football players union has slammed the international football governing body FIFA after it awarded 2034 Men’s FIFA World Cup hosting rights to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday (Dec 11). The decision to award Saudi Arabia the hosting rights did not go well with the players union citing significant human rights are at risk. After Qatar, Saudi Arabia will be the second West Asian nation to host the men’s FIFA World Cup with the former hosting the showpiece in 2022 December.

<h2>Australian players union slams FIFA</h2>

"The significant human rights risks linked to this tournament are well-documented," Beau Busch, Professional Footballers Australia head said in a statement emailed to Reuters on Thursday.

"By securing hosting rights to the global game’s most prestigious event, Saudi Arabia and FIFA must ensure the rights of everyone affected by the 2034 Men’s World Cup are upheld and safeguarded.

"However, FIFA’s ongoing governance failures and lack of accountability to its own human rights commitments leave no assurance that harm can or will be prevented."

Saudi Arabia has been accused by the Australian Association of human rights abuses while LGBT activists have also showcased their anger after the FIFA World Cup rights were awarded. In the build-up to the meeting and before awarding of rights, migrant workers groups and trade unions had also raised concerns over Saudi Arabia.

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On the football side of things, another Men’s World Cup in West Asia will result in significant fixture changes to football’s annual calendar. Like Qatar, Saudi will most probably host the World Cup in November-December, differing from the usual international break of June-July. This would result in fixture congestion in build-up and post-tournament.

The club fixture calendar will also take a significant hit with the season likely to start in late July or early August, before ending in late May or early June. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Australian football players union has slammed the international football governing body FIFA after it awarded 2034 Men’s FIFA World Cup hosting rights to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday (Dec 11).

The Australian football players union has slammed the international football governing body FIFA after it awarded 2034 Men’s FIFA World Cup hosting rights to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday (Dec 11). The decision to award Saudi Arabia the hosting rights did not go well with the players union citing significant human rights are at risk. After Qatar, Saudi Arabia will be the second West Asian nation to host the men’s FIFA World Cup with the former hosting the showpiece in 2022 December. Australian players union slams FIFA "The significant human rights risks linked to this tournament are well-documented," Beau Busch, Professional Footballers Australia head said in a statement emailed to Reuters on Thursday. "By securing hosting rights to the global game’s most prestigious event, Saudi Arabia and FIFA must ensure the rights of everyone affected by the 2034 Men’s World Cup are upheld and safeguarded. "However, FIFA’s ongoing governance failures and lack of accountability to its own human rights commitments leave no assurance that harm can or will be prevented." Saudi Arabia has been accused by the Australian Association of human rights abuses while LGBT activists have also showcased their anger after the FIFA World Cup rights were awarded. In the build-up to the meeting and before awarding of rights, migrant workers groups and trade unions had also raised concerns over Saudi Arabia. ALSO READ | BGT: Mitchell Marsh reveals mantra to face 'best in the world' Jasprit Bumrah ahead of Brisbane Test On the football side of things, another Men’s World Cup in West Asia will result in significant fixture changes to football’s annual calendar. Like Qatar, Saudi will most probably host the World Cup in November-December, differing from the usual international break of June-July. This would result in fixture congestion in build-up and post-tournament. The club fixture calendar will also take a significant hit with the season likely to start in late July or early August, before ending in late May or early June. (With inputs from agencies)

Australian players union blasts FIFA for awarding 2034 World Cup hosting rights to Saudi Arabia

Brazil superstar Neymar returned to action on Monday following more than a year out, with the Al Hilal forward appearing as a second-half substitute in his side's gripping 5-4 win against Asian champions Al Ain in the UAE. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain attacker, 32, had not played since rupturing his meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee while on international duty in October last year.&nbsp;

Neymar, who underwent surgery and a sustained period of rehabilitation, is his country's all-time leading goalscorer, with 79 goals in 128 appearances. Named on the Hilal bench for the first time since his injury, he was introduced on 76 minutes of the Asian Champions Elite encounter at a heaving Hazzan Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain.&nbsp;

By then, the record four-time Asian champions, who lead the current Saudi Pro League, were 5-3 up, thanks to goals from Renan Lodi and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, and a Salem Al Dawsari hat-trick.

Neymar cannot be registered for the Saudi top-flight until January. "I need to prepare Neymar with games; that's the only possible means to bring him to his level, which was the idea today," Hilal coach Jorge Jesus said. "There are some risks for the team because we need to use the games to prepare him, but it's the only way to have one of our important players back at the highest level," the Portuguese boss added.

On Monday, Hilal took the lead on 26 minutes, when former Newcastle United and Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic played in Lodi down the left, and the ex-Atletico Madrid full-back drilled a low shot past Khalid Essa in the Al Ain goal.

However, Hernan Crespo's side drew level six minutes before half-time, Morocco international Soufiane Rahimi sliding home a cross.&nbsp;Rahimi was the star of Al Ain's Asian Champions League success last season, finishing top scorer and named player of the tournament.

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In first-half stoppage-time, Hilal seemed to take the contest away from their UAE rivals.&nbsp;First, Joao Cancelo, a summer signing from Manchester City, crossed for Milinkovic-Savic to head home unmarked from six years. Moments later, reigning Asian Player of the Year Al Dawsari raced cleared of the Al Ain defence, skipped around the onrushing Essa and curled home superbly on the angle.

Al Ain reduced the deficit just after the hour, through substitute Mateo Sanabria, only for Al Dawsari to flick home his second of the night from a Milinkovic-Savic centre.&nbsp;Minutes later, Rahimi notched his double as a see-saw clash took another swing. Al Dawsari then restored Hilal's two-goal advantage with a sublime strike from range.

Not long into 12 minutes of the allotted injury-time, and with Hilal reduced to 10 men after defender Ali Al Bulaihi was sent off for an intentional handball, Rahimi won and converted a penalty to secure his hat-trick and give Al Ain hope, but the Saudi champions hung on to claim the win.

Neymar had little time to truly impact the game, although he did flash wide an effort in the dying moments of normal time.&nbsp;Hilal sit top of the Western region group, with three victories from three while Al Ain have picked up a solitary point.

Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Brazil superstar Neymar returned to action on Monday following more than a year out, with the Al Hilal forward appearing as a second-half substitute in his side's gripping 5-4 win against Asian champions Al Ain in the UAE.

Brazil superstar Neymar returned to action on Monday following more than a year out, with the Al Hilal forward appearing as a second-half substitute in his side's gripping 5-4 win against Asian champions Al Ain in the UAE. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain attacker, 32, had not played since rupturing his meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee while on international duty in October last year. Neymar, who underwent surgery and a sustained period of rehabilitation, is his country's all-time leading goalscorer, with 79 goals in 128 appearances. Named on the Hilal bench for the first time since his injury, he was introduced on 76 minutes of the Asian Champions Elite encounter at a heaving Hazzan Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain. By then, the record four-time Asian champions, who lead the current Saudi Pro League, were 5-3 up, thanks to goals from Renan Lodi and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, and a Salem Al Dawsari hat-trick. Neymar cannot be registered for the Saudi top-flight until January. "I need to prepare Neymar with games; that's the only possible means to bring him to his level, which was the idea today," Hilal coach Jorge Jesus said. "There are some risks for the team because we need to use the games to prepare him, but it's the only way to have one of our important players back at the highest level," the Portuguese boss added. On Monday, Hilal took the lead on 26 minutes, when former Newcastle United and Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic played in Lodi down the left, and the ex-Atletico Madrid full-back drilled a low shot past Khalid Essa in the Al Ain goal. However, Hernan Crespo's side drew level six minutes before half-time, Morocco international Soufiane Rahimi sliding home a cross. Rahimi was the star of Al Ain's Asian Champions League success last season, finishing top scorer and named player of the tournament. Also read: Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk confirms discussions over contract extension underway ‘with right people’ In first-half stoppage-time, Hilal seemed to take the contest away from their UAE rivals. First, Joao Cancelo, a summer signing from Manchester City, crossed for Milinkovic-Savic to head home unmarked from six years. Moments later, reigning Asian Player of the Year Al Dawsari raced cleared of the Al Ain defence, skipped around the onrushing Essa and curled home superbly on the angle. Al Ain reduced the deficit just after the hour, through substitute Mateo Sanabria, only for Al Dawsari to flick home his second of the night from a Milinkovic-Savic centre. Minutes later, Rahimi notched his double as a see-saw clash took another swing. Al Dawsari then restored Hilal's two-goal advantage with a sublime strike from range. Not long into 12 minutes of the allotted injury-time, and with Hilal reduced to 10 men after defender Ali Al Bulaihi was sent off for an intentional handball, Rahimi won and converted a penalty to secure his hat-trick and give Al Ain hope, but the Saudi champions hung on to claim the win. Neymar had little time to truly impact the game, although he did flash wide an effort in the dying moments of normal time. Hilal sit top of the Western region group, with three victories from three while Al Ain have picked up a solitary point. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Neymar returns for Al Hilal in thrilling win over Al Ain

Harry Maguire has come out in support of under-fire Jordan Henderson after he was booed by England fans during the side's international friendly versus Australia at Wembley. Henderson has been under the radar ever since he&nbsp;swapped his role as Liverpool skipper for the Saudi Pro League, joining Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq in July.&nbsp;Maguire, who has been jeered by Manchester United and England supporters, feels those who slammed Henderson "aren't England fans".

Maguire told Sky Sports, "Proper England fans don't boo players. Don't boo players who dedicate their life to play and do everything they can to make this country have good memories and special moments for them and the fans and their families.&nbsp;I know a lot of top, top England fans and I know the England fans who have been with me ever since my debut." 
 
They're right behind me and they're right behind Jordan as well. You heard a lot of cheers and yes, a few jeers, but they aren't England fans."

Henderson&nbsp;joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq from Liverpool in the close season. His switch has been widely criticised as many pointed out his&nbsp;previous public support for the LGBT community. It is to be noted that homosexuality is illegal in the Middle Eastern country, where Henderson will be seen playing in the near future. The 33-year-old was booed extensively in England's 1-0 win over Australia in the international friendly and the same incident followed in England's 3-1 win over Italy, following which they secured Euro 2024 spot.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jordan-henderson-admits-money-was-a-contributing-factor-in-his-move-to-saudi-arabia-648289">Jordan Henderson admits money was a 'contributing factor' in his move to Saudi Arabia</a>

Ahead of the Italy clash, England coach Gareth Southgate had urged people to stop the booing. "People might disagree with&nbsp;Jordan's stance ... but I don't think it's a reason to not select him and I don't actually think that's a reason to boo him," Southgate told reporters on Monday. "We'd like all the fans behind us. I'll always pick the players I think ... give us the best chance of winning, unless there's something that I feel is not appropriate. If I just select on a popularity contest then our team would look very, very different," he added.

Henderson, meanwhile, has remained committed to playing for England and leading the side despite the boos and criticism.&nbsp; "It's not nice, your own fans, if they were booing. But listen, people have got their own opinions,"&nbsp;Henderson&nbsp;told Sky Sports. "...it won't change who I am and what I do for this team and for my country. I give absolutely everything every time. "I still want to play for England for as long as I possibly can and give everything for the team, for my country," he opined.

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Harry Maguire has come out in support of under-fire Jordan Henderson after he was booed by England fans during the side's international friendly versus Australia at Wembley.

Harry Maguire has come out in support of under-fire Jordan Henderson after he was booed by England fans during the side's international friendly versus Australia at Wembley. Henderson has been under the radar ever since he swapped his role as Liverpool skipper for the Saudi Pro League, joining Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq in July. Maguire, who has been jeered by Manchester United and England supporters, feels those who slammed Henderson "aren't England fans". Maguire told Sky Sports, "Proper England fans don't boo players. Don't boo players who dedicate their life to play and do everything they can to make this country have good memories and special moments for them and the fans and their families. I know a lot of top, top England fans and I know the England fans who have been with me ever since my debut." They're right behind me and they're right behind Jordan as well. You heard a lot of cheers and yes, a few jeers, but they aren't England fans." Henderson joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq from Liverpool in the close season. His switch has been widely criticised as many pointed out his previous public support for the LGBT community. It is to be noted that homosexuality is illegal in the Middle Eastern country, where Henderson will be seen playing in the near future. The 33-year-old was booed extensively in England's 1-0 win over Australia in the international friendly and the same incident followed in England's 3-1 win over Italy, following which they secured Euro 2024 spot. Also read: Jordan Henderson admits money was a 'contributing factor' in his move to Saudi Arabia Ahead of the Italy clash, England coach Gareth Southgate had urged people to stop the booing. "People might disagree with Jordan's stance ... but I don't think it's a reason to not select him and I don't actually think that's a reason to boo him," Southgate told reporters on Monday. "We'd like all the fans behind us. I'll always pick the players I think ... give us the best chance of winning, unless there's something that I feel is not appropriate. If I just select on a popularity contest then our team would look very, very different," he added. Henderson, meanwhile, has remained committed to playing for England and leading the side despite the boos and criticism. "It's not nice, your own fans, if they were booing. But listen, people have got their own opinions," Henderson told Sky Sports. "...it won't change who I am and what I do for this team and for my country. I give absolutely everything every time. "I still want to play for England for as long as I possibly can and give everything for the team, for my country," he opined. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Proper England fans don't boo players': Harry Maguire comes in support of Jordan Henderson

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has sustained&nbsp;a hamstring injury during national duty. Representing&nbsp;Nigeria in a friendly versus Saudi Arabia last week, the youngster suffered a hamstring issue and the development was confirmed by his club Napoli on Monday (Oct 16). Nigeria's friendly versus Saudi ended in a&nbsp;2-2 stalemate on Friday (Oct 13).

As a result, the 24-year-old forward withdrew from the game around the 55th minute at the Portimao stadium in Portugal. After the match, a thorough injury scan was carried out and, thus, prompted Osimhen to miss&nbsp;Nigeria's following friendly game -- where they faced Mozambique in Portugal.&nbsp;

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According to Sky Sports Italia, it is estimated that Osimhen's injury could take a healing period of about four to six weeks. If this turns out to be true, the striker will miss a flurry of games for his Serie A club Napoli,&nbsp;including the club's trip to Hellas Verona on Saturday, the crucial Champions League match against Union Berlin on Oct&nbsp;24. In addition, he might sit out of Napoli's&nbsp;much-awaited face-off with Serie A leaders, AC Milan&nbsp;on Oct 29.

Osimhen has been in top form for Napoli. The Serie A club is at the fifth place and will feel his absence going forward. So far, Osimhen has scored&nbsp;six goals in the ongoing league season -- being Napoli's top-scorer -- and has made worthy contributions in every game. The club will closely monitor his recovery process.&nbsp;

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Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has sustained a hamstring injury during national duty. Representing Nigeria in a friendly versus Saudi Arabia last week, the youngster suffered a hamstring issue and the development was confirmed by his club Napoli on Monday (Oct 16).

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has sustained a hamstring injury during national duty. Representing Nigeria in a friendly versus Saudi Arabia last week, the youngster suffered a hamstring issue and the development was confirmed by his club Napoli on Monday (Oct 16). Nigeria's friendly versus Saudi ended in a 2-2 stalemate on Friday (Oct 13). As a result, the 24-year-old forward withdrew from the game around the 55th minute at the Portimao stadium in Portugal. After the match, a thorough injury scan was carried out and, thus, prompted Osimhen to miss Nigeria's following friendly game -- where they faced Mozambique in Portugal. Also read: MLB playoffs: Texas Rangers take 2-0 lead over champion Houston Astros According to Sky Sports Italia, it is estimated that Osimhen's injury could take a healing period of about four to six weeks. If this turns out to be true, the striker will miss a flurry of games for his Serie A club Napoli, including the club's trip to Hellas Verona on Saturday, the crucial Champions League match against Union Berlin on Oct 24. In addition, he might sit out of Napoli's much-awaited face-off with Serie A leaders, AC Milan on Oct 29. Osimhen has been in top form for Napoli. The Serie A club is at the fifth place and will feel his absence going forward. So far, Osimhen has scored six goals in the ongoing league season -- being Napoli's top-scorer -- and has made worthy contributions in every game. The club will closely monitor his recovery process. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Serie A: Victor Osimhen suffers hamstring injury during Nigeria-Saudi friendly clash, confirms Napoli

Cristiano Ronaldo's stint at Al-Nassr continues to make heads turn. While he has been on a goal-scoring spree for the Riyadh-based club, the Portugal star didn't have a great outing in his side's clash versus Al-Halil&nbsp;at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh early this month. While his side lost 2-0, Ronaldo was slammed for his WWE-inspired&nbsp;foul.

Ronaldo&nbsp;was&nbsp;found guilty of hauling Al-Halil's Gustavo Cuellar to the ground in a headlock and, surprisingly,&nbsp;escaped with a yellow card. After the team's loss, the rival fans tried to get under the skin of Ronaldo. They even chanted Lionel Messi's name to tease the Portuguese striker. While walking down the tunnel, it appeared as if&nbsp;Ronaldo&nbsp;grabbed his crotch and pointed it&nbsp;towards the fans.&nbsp;

Sharing the video, a Saudi lawyer has called for Ronaldo's deportation from the country for his indecent gesture for the Al-Halil fans.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%87%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%84_%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5%D8%B1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#الهلال_النصر</a> 
 
لست متابعة للشأن الرياضي 
 
حتى ولو استفز جمهور الهلال <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%88?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#رونالدو</a> 
لم يوفّق في الرد عليهم 
 
السلوك الصادر من <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%88?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#رونالدو</a> يعتبر جريمة 
فعل فاضح علني وهي من الجرائم المستوجبة 
للتوقيف ، والإبعاد ( الترحيل ) إذا وقعت من أجنبي 
 
لذا 
 
سنتقدم بعريضة للنيابة العامة بهذا الشأن <a href="https://t.co/qnyDJZJKS0">pic.twitter.com/qnyDJZJKS0</a>
— Prof. Nouf Bint Ahmed (@NoufPoet) <a href="https://twitter.com/NoufPoet/status/1648448243884494850?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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He tweeted saying, "I don’t follow sport. Even if the crowd provoked Ronaldo, he didn’t know how to react. Cristiano’s behaviour is a crime. An indecent public act, which is one of the crimes that allows for arrest and deportation if committed by a foreigner."&nbsp;

The 38-year-old Ronaldo&nbsp;has already broken a Saudi Arabian law&nbsp;as he is currently living with his partner Georgina Rodriguez even though they have not tied the knot yet.&nbsp;

Talking about Ronaldo's run for Al-Nassr, he has found the back of the net on 11 occasions for his new club in 12 appearances across all competitions. However, Al-Nassr's loss to Al-Halil has seen them fall behind in the Saudi Pro League title race.

On Monday (April 24), Al-Nassr was knocked out in the King Cup semi-finals as a&nbsp;ten-man Al-Wehda defeated them 1-0. During the match, the Portuguese star appeared to be angry and animated at a support staff.

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&nbsp;

Cristiano Ronaldo's stint at Al-Nassr continues to make heads turn. While he has been on a goal-scoring spree for the Riyadh-based club, the Portugal star didn't have a great outing in his side's clash versus Al-Halil at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh early this month.

Cristiano Ronaldo's stint at Al-Nassr continues to make heads turn. While he has been on a goal-scoring spree for the Riyadh-based club, the Portugal star didn't have a great outing in his side's clash versus Al-Halil at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh early this month. While his side lost 2-0, Ronaldo was slammed for his WWE-inspired foul. Ronaldo was found guilty of hauling Al-Halil's Gustavo Cuellar to the ground in a headlock and, surprisingly, escaped with a yellow card. After the team's loss, the rival fans tried to get under the skin of Ronaldo. They even chanted Lionel Messi's name to tease the Portuguese striker. While walking down the tunnel, it appeared as if Ronaldo grabbed his crotch and pointed it towards the fans. Sharing the video, a Saudi lawyer has called for Ronaldo's deportation from the country for his indecent gesture for the Al-Halil fans. #الهلال_النصر لست متابعة للشأن الرياضي حتى ولو استفز جمهور الهلال #رونالدو لم يوفّق في الرد عليهم السلوك الصادر من #رونالدو يعتبر جريمة فعل فاضح علني وهي من الجرائم المستوجبة للتوقيف ، والإبعاد ( الترحيل ) إذا وقعت من أجنبي لذا سنتقدم بعريضة للنيابة العامة بهذا الشأن pic.twitter.com/qnyDJZJKS0 — Prof. Nouf Bint Ahmed (@NoufPoet) April 18, 2023 × Also read: UNACCEPTABLE! Ronaldo booked for a WWE-inspired foul as Al Nassr go down to Al-Hilal in crucial tie - Watch He tweeted saying, "I don’t follow sport. Even if the crowd provoked Ronaldo, he didn’t know how to react. Cristiano’s behaviour is a crime. An indecent public act, which is one of the crimes that allows for arrest and deportation if committed by a foreigner." The 38-year-old Ronaldo has already broken a Saudi Arabian law as he is currently living with his partner Georgina Rodriguez even though they have not tied the knot yet. Talking about Ronaldo's run for Al-Nassr, he has found the back of the net on 11 occasions for his new club in 12 appearances across all competitions. However, Al-Nassr's loss to Al-Halil has seen them fall behind in the Saudi Pro League title race. On Monday (April 24), Al-Nassr was knocked out in the King Cup semi-finals as a ten-man Al-Wehda defeated them 1-0. During the match, the Portuguese star appeared to be angry and animated at a support staff. ×

Saudi lawyer calls for Cristiano Ronaldo's deportation after Al-Nassr star's indecent gesture

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi club&nbsp;Al-Nassr&nbsp;fired coach Rudi Garcia on Thursday after less than a year in charge following media reports of dressing room tensions and just days before a crucial&nbsp;game against champions&nbsp;Al-Hilal.

Garcia, the former AS Roma and Olympique de Marseille coach, criticised the players after they drew 0-0 with lowly&nbsp;Al&nbsp;Feiha last Sunday in another blow to their hopes of a first league title since 2019, saying: "The result is bad. I don't feel satisfied with the players".

Local&nbsp;media reported that Garcia's relationship with the players prompted the club to dismiss him, as well as dissatisfaction with his style of play.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bayern-munich-suspend-sadio-mane-for-one-match-for-punching-teammate-leroy-sane-following-ucl-loss-582170">Bayern Munich suspend Sadio Mane for one match for punching teammate Leroy Sane following UCL loss</a>

Al-Nassr, who signed Ronaldo in a deal&nbsp;worth more than $200 million, have collected seven points from their last four league games, dropping to second place in the table, three points behind leaders&nbsp;Al-Ittihad with seven games left in the season.

Al-Nassr&nbsp;lost the Saudi Super Cup final&nbsp;to&nbsp;Al-Ittihad in January and have not beaten any of their closest rivals,&nbsp;Al-Ittihad,&nbsp;Al-Hilal, or&nbsp;Al-Shabab, in the league this season.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi club Al-Nassr fired coach Rudi Garcia on Thursday after less than a year in charge following media reports of dressing room tensions and just days before a crucial game against champions Al-Hilal.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi club Al-Nassr fired coach Rudi Garcia on Thursday after less than a year in charge following media reports of dressing room tensions and just days before a crucial game against champions Al-Hilal. Garcia, the former AS Roma and Olympique de Marseille coach, criticised the players after they drew 0-0 with lowly Al Feiha last Sunday in another blow to their hopes of a first league title since 2019, saying: "The result is bad. I don't feel satisfied with the players". Local media reported that Garcia's relationship with the players prompted the club to dismiss him, as well as dissatisfaction with his style of play. Also Read: Bayern Munich suspend Sadio Mane for one match for punching teammate Leroy Sane following UCL loss Al-Nassr, who signed Ronaldo in a deal worth more than $200 million, have collected seven points from their last four league games, dropping to second place in the table, three points behind leaders Al-Ittihad with seven games left in the season. Al-Nassr lost the Saudi Super Cup final to Al-Ittihad in January and have not beaten any of their closest rivals, Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, or Al-Shabab, in the league this season.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Saudi club Al-Nassr sack coach Rudi Garcia after less than a year in-charge

Cristiano Ronaldo made heads turn when he decided to leave Manchester United, after his fallout with the co-owners and team management, and signed a substanial deal with Asian club Al-Nassr till 2025; reportedly making him the world's highest-paid footballer. With the Portugal captain shifting to Saudi, he has now put his Europe mansion, in Manchester, up for sale.&nbsp;

In a report carried by the Sun, the 38-year-old Ronaldo is demanding a whopping 5.5 million pounds (i.e. nearly INR 55 crores) for this luxurious property. The mansion comprises&nbsp;a swimming pool, guest rooms, tennis courts as well as a cinema room. The superstar striker has moved to Saudi with his partner and kids and&nbsp;is reportedly earning a staggering 200 million euros during his stint with the Riyadh-based club.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/al-nassr-striker-cristiano-ronaldo-performs-traditional-ardah-dance-on-saudi-founding-day-watch-video-565126">Al-Nassr striker Cristiano Ronaldo performs traditional Ardah dance on Saudi Founding Day - Watch Video</a>

So far, Ronaldo has scored four goals for Al-Nassr, who is at the second position in Saudi Pro League. The legendary footballer has impressed in his stint so far, scoring four goals in a game. The club will next play on Saturday (February 25) as they face seventh-ranked Damac.&nbsp;

On joining the Al-Nassr, Ronaldo said in a statement in December 2022, "I’m thrilled for a new experience in a different league and a different country, the vision that Al Nassr has is very inspiring,” Ronaldo said in a statement. "I am fortunate that I have won everything I set out to win in European football and feel now that this is the right moment to share my experience in Asia. I am looking forward to joining my new team mates and together with them help the Club to achieve success," he added.&nbsp;

Ronaldo has smoothly settled in his new club. Recently, he was also seen performing the&nbsp;traditional Ardah dance on Saudi Founding Day (February 22).

Cristiano Ronaldo made heads turn when he decided to leave Manchester United, after his fallout with the co-owners and team management, and signed a substanial deal with Asian club Al-Nassr till 2025; reportedly making him the world's highest-paid footballer.

Cristiano Ronaldo made heads turn when he decided to leave Manchester United, after his fallout with the co-owners and team management, and signed a substanial deal with Asian club Al-Nassr till 2025; reportedly making him the world's highest-paid footballer. With the Portugal captain shifting to Saudi, he has now put his Europe mansion, in Manchester, up for sale. In a report carried by the Sun, the 38-year-old Ronaldo is demanding a whopping 5.5 million pounds (i.e. nearly INR 55 crores) for this luxurious property. The mansion comprises a swimming pool, guest rooms, tennis courts as well as a cinema room. The superstar striker has moved to Saudi with his partner and kids and is reportedly earning a staggering 200 million euros during his stint with the Riyadh-based club. Also Read: Al-Nassr striker Cristiano Ronaldo performs traditional Ardah dance on Saudi Founding Day - Watch Video So far, Ronaldo has scored four goals for Al-Nassr, who is at the second position in Saudi Pro League. The legendary footballer has impressed in his stint so far, scoring four goals in a game. The club will next play on Saturday (February 25) as they face seventh-ranked Damac. On joining the Al-Nassr, Ronaldo said in a statement in December 2022, "I’m thrilled for a new experience in a different league and a different country, the vision that Al Nassr has is very inspiring,” Ronaldo said in a statement. "I am fortunate that I have won everything I set out to win in European football and feel now that this is the right moment to share my experience in Asia. I am looking forward to joining my new team mates and together with them help the Club to achieve success," he added. Ronaldo has smoothly settled in his new club. Recently, he was also seen performing the traditional Ardah dance on Saudi Founding Day (February 22).

Cristiano Ronaldo to sell his Manchester luxury mansion, demands a WHOPPING amount

Cristiano Ronaldo has moved to the Riyadh-based club Al-Nassr. He has settled quite nicely in the squad and recently the Portuguese football icon participated with his teammates in celebrating the kingdom’s Founding Day, a major national event. In a video, Ronaldo is seen in a traditional Saudi attire,&nbsp;known as thawb as he held a sword and participated in the famous Saudi group dance Ardah.

Ronaldo even shared the video of the celebrations on his official Twitter handle. He captioned the post, "Happy founding day to Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 
Was a special experience to participate in the celebration at&nbsp;@AlNassrFC!". Here's the viral clip:

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Happy founding day to Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 
Was a special experience to participate in the celebration at <a href="https://twitter.com/AlNassrFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlNassrFC</a> ! <a href="https://t.co/1SHbmHyuez">pic.twitter.com/1SHbmHyuez</a>
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cristiano/status/1628447676109922307?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hes-the-best-in-history-doors-are-always-open-for-him-at-barcelona-says-xavi-on-lionel-messi-565003">'He's the best in history, doors are always open for him at Barcelona,' says Xavi on Lionel Messi</a>

In 2022, Saudi King Salman bin Abdul Aziz declared February 22&nbsp;as the kingdom’s Founding Day and declared it as an official holiday. It is to be noted that the day is a significant one for the countrymen as it&nbsp;commemorates the founding of the first Saudi state in 1727, by Imam Mohammed bin Saud.&nbsp;

Speaking about Ronaldo's move to Al-Nassr, he shifted to the Riyadh-based club after his fallout with Manchester United owners and team management last year. He is with his new club&nbsp;until June 2025 after a historic deal made the Portugal captain the highest-paid footballer in the world. So far, he has featured in five games for Al-Nassr, scoring five goals so far including four in one outing.&nbsp;

Cristiano Ronaldo has moved to the Riyadh-based club Al-Nassr. He has settled quite nicely in the squad and recently the Portuguese football icon participated with his teammates in celebrating the kingdom’s Founding Day, a major national event.

Cristiano Ronaldo has moved to the Riyadh-based club Al-Nassr. He has settled quite nicely in the squad and recently the Portuguese football icon participated with his teammates in celebrating the kingdom’s Founding Day, a major national event. In a video, Ronaldo is seen in a traditional Saudi attire, known as thawb as he held a sword and participated in the famous Saudi group dance Ardah. Ronaldo even shared the video of the celebrations on his official Twitter handle. He captioned the post, "Happy founding day to Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 Was a special experience to participate in the celebration at @AlNassrFC!". Here's the viral clip: Happy founding day to Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 Was a special experience to participate in the celebration at @AlNassrFC ! pic.twitter.com/1SHbmHyuez — Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) February 22, 2023 × Also Read: 'He's the best in history, doors are always open for him at Barcelona,' says Xavi on Lionel Messi In 2022, Saudi King Salman bin Abdul Aziz declared February 22 as the kingdom’s Founding Day and declared it as an official holiday. It is to be noted that the day is a significant one for the countrymen as it commemorates the founding of the first Saudi state in 1727, by Imam Mohammed bin Saud. Speaking about Ronaldo's move to Al-Nassr, he shifted to the Riyadh-based club after his fallout with Manchester United owners and team management last year. He is with his new club until June 2025 after a historic deal made the Portugal captain the highest-paid footballer in the world. So far, he has featured in five games for Al-Nassr, scoring five goals so far including four in one outing.

Al-Nassr striker Cristiano Ronaldo performs traditional Ardah dance on Saudi Founding Day - Watch Video

Cristiano Ronaldo has joined Al-Nassr and&nbsp;regained the top spot in the list of highest-earning footballers. By moving to Saudi, the veteran footballer got hold of a staggering deal.&nbsp;The Portugal star has reportedly signed a deal worth more than 200 million euros with the Saudi Arabia-based club and will be earning another 200 million euros for his ambassadorial&nbsp;role to bring the 2030 FIFA World Cup to the country. Thus, it surely is a mammoth deal for the former Manchester United striker, who had an ordinary run in 2022 with a fallout with the Old Trafford club owners and management and Portugal's dismal run in the FIFA World Cup.&nbsp;

"Ronaldo will be paid more than 200 million euros ($214 million) for the deal. He will be an ambassador for the Saudi World Cup 2030 bid for another 200 million," a source was quoted as saying by AFP.

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'It's a bit like Pele's arrival'

After his official entry into the Al-Nassr club, coach&nbsp;Rudi Garcia spoke highly of the Portugal captain. "It's a bit like Pele's arrival", Garcia told AFP. He added, "Cristiano Ronaldo is more than a player. He is one of the best players in the world. For the development of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, it is very, very important. If today the Dakar is here, it brings home that in sports and cultural development, a country can do a lot. It's amazing how much it's put a spotlight on our club. Now everyone knows where our club is around the world. We must have gone from 800,000 (followers) to 10 million in a few hours, a few days, because of Cristiano's arrival."

It is to be noted that Ronaldo's debut for the Saudi-based club is much-awaited. His Al-Nassr unveiling got more views than the FIFA World Cup final, where Lionel Messi's Argentina beat France to win the championship, in Qatar, last December.

When will Ronaldo debut for Al-Nassr?

Ronaldo's much-awaited Al Nassr debut has been delayed following his two-match ban, which he received after smashing a fan's phone during his infamous second stint at Man United. He is, however,&nbsp;confirmed to debut for his new club on January 22 after missing their upcoming fixture on January 14.

Cristiano Ronaldo has joined Al-Nassr and regained the top spot in the list of highest-earning footballers. By moving to Saudi, the veteran footballer got hold of a staggering deal.

Cristiano Ronaldo has joined Al-Nassr and regained the top spot in the list of highest-earning footballers. By moving to Saudi, the veteran footballer got hold of a staggering deal. The Portugal star has reportedly signed a deal worth more than 200 million euros with the Saudi Arabia-based club and will be earning another 200 million euros for his ambassadorial role to bring the 2030 FIFA World Cup to the country. Thus, it surely is a mammoth deal for the former Manchester United striker, who had an ordinary run in 2022 with a fallout with the Old Trafford club owners and management and Portugal's dismal run in the FIFA World Cup. "Ronaldo will be paid more than 200 million euros ($214 million) for the deal. He will be an ambassador for the Saudi World Cup 2030 bid for another 200 million," a source was quoted as saying by AFP. Also read: Welsh star Gareth Bale, aged 33, announces retirement from football 'It's a bit like Pele's arrival' After his official entry into the Al-Nassr club, coach Rudi Garcia spoke highly of the Portugal captain. "It's a bit like Pele's arrival", Garcia told AFP. He added, "Cristiano Ronaldo is more than a player. He is one of the best players in the world. For the development of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, it is very, very important. If today the Dakar is here, it brings home that in sports and cultural development, a country can do a lot. It's amazing how much it's put a spotlight on our club. Now everyone knows where our club is around the world. We must have gone from 800,000 (followers) to 10 million in a few hours, a few days, because of Cristiano's arrival." It is to be noted that Ronaldo's debut for the Saudi-based club is much-awaited. His Al-Nassr unveiling got more views than the FIFA World Cup final, where Lionel Messi's Argentina beat France to win the championship, in Qatar, last December. When will Ronaldo debut for Al-Nassr? Ronaldo's much-awaited Al Nassr debut has been delayed following his two-match ban, which he received after smashing a fan's phone during his infamous second stint at Man United. He is, however, confirmed to debut for his new club on January 22 after missing their upcoming fixture on January 14.

Cristiano Ronaldo to receive a STAGGERING 400 million euros during his stint at Al-Nassr in Saudi: Report

Saudi Arabia's first&nbsp;female&nbsp;international&nbsp;referee&nbsp;was appointed by&nbsp;FIFA&nbsp;on Thursday, less than a year after the conservative kingdom's national women's team made its debut. Anoud Al-Asmari's international badge is the latest in a series of steps in football by the oil-rich Saudis, who have lured 37-year-old great Cristiano Ronaldo to the Saudi Pro League and are mulling a World Cup co-hosting bid.

"I am happy to be the first Saudi&nbsp;female&nbsp;referee&nbsp;to receive the international badge in the history of Saudi sports," Asmari, one of eight Saudis on the international panel announced by the world body, told AFP. Asked how she would feel about officiating a men's game, Asmari, 34, said she wouldn't give it any thought until it was approved by the Saudi FA. Despite Saudi Arabia's renowned conservatism, opportunities have started to open up in women's sport, including a women's football league that started in November 2021.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/buffalo-bills-damar-hamlin-has-been-able-to-awaken-and-communicate-reveal-doctors-549912">Buffalo Bills' Damar Hamlin has been able to awaken and communicate, reveal doctors</a>

The first Saudi women's national team, coached by German veteran Monica Stapp, beat the Seychelles 2-0 in their maiden official match last February. Saudi Arabia, whose neighbour Qatar hosted the World Cup in November and December, has applied to hold the Women's Asian Cup in 2026 and is the sole bidder for the men's version in 2027. It is also considering a joint bid for the 2030 World Cup alongside Egypt and Greece.

&nbsp;

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Saudi Arabia's first female international referee was appointed by FIFA on Thursday, less than a year after the conservative kingdom's national women's team made its debut.

Saudi Arabia's first female international referee was appointed by FIFA on Thursday, less than a year after the conservative kingdom's national women's team made its debut. Anoud Al-Asmari's international badge is the latest in a series of steps in football by the oil-rich Saudis, who have lured 37-year-old great Cristiano Ronaldo to the Saudi Pro League and are mulling a World Cup co-hosting bid. "I am happy to be the first Saudi female referee to receive the international badge in the history of Saudi sports," Asmari, one of eight Saudis on the international panel announced by the world body, told AFP. Asked how she would feel about officiating a men's game, Asmari, 34, said she wouldn't give it any thought until it was approved by the Saudi FA. Despite Saudi Arabia's renowned conservatism, opportunities have started to open up in women's sport, including a women's football league that started in November 2021. Also read: Buffalo Bills' Damar Hamlin has been able to awaken and communicate, reveal doctors The first Saudi women's national team, coached by German veteran Monica Stapp, beat the Seychelles 2-0 in their maiden official match last February. Saudi Arabia, whose neighbour Qatar hosted the World Cup in November and December, has applied to hold the Women's Asian Cup in 2026 and is the sole bidder for the men's version in 2027. It is also considering a joint bid for the 2030 World Cup alongside Egypt and Greece. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Anoud Al-Asmari creates history, becomes first Saudi woman referee to receive FIFA badge

There have been reports of Cristiano Ronaldo joining the Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr after his fallout with Manchester United. While the 37-year-old striker has had a tough time in the last few months, with his strained relations with Man United manager Erik Ten Hag and the Old Trafford club owners, the Portugal star has also not found it easy to find a suitable club.

With the Al-Nassr looking set to be Ronaldo's new home, there are reports that Chelsea midfielder&nbsp;N'Golo Kante is also set to join the Portuguese striker. According to The Mirror, the 31-year-old Frenchman&nbsp;is out of contract following the end of the season. Thus, he&nbsp;could move on a free transfer in search of a new challenge despite him wanting to remain firm&nbsp;in London.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/real-madrid-is-ready-to-pay-ps1-billion-for-kylian-mbappe-next-summer-reports-546256">Real Madrid ready to pay £1 billion for Kylian Mbappe next summer - Reports</a>

Kante has been one of the top performers for Chelsea ever since he became a part of the club in 2016,&nbsp;from Leicester City. Nonetheless, he hasn't been featured on many occasions for the club in recent times. In the ongoing season, he has played just twice for Chelsea as he is no longer reliably fit and even missed the Qatar World Cup, where France ended as runners-up.

Playing in Saudi Arabia might prove to&nbsp;be&nbsp;less taxing on Kante's body and, in turn, offer also help him secure a huge deal in what would likely be his last few years as a professional footballer.

There have been reports of Cristiano Ronaldo joining the Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr after his fallout with Manchester United. While the 37-year-old striker has had a tough time in the last few months, with his strained relations with Man United manager Erik Ten Hag and the Old Trafford club owners, the Portugal star has also not found it easy to find a suitable club.

There have been reports of Cristiano Ronaldo joining the Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr after his fallout with Manchester United. While the 37-year-old striker has had a tough time in the last few months, with his strained relations with Man United manager Erik Ten Hag and the Old Trafford club owners, the Portugal star has also not found it easy to find a suitable club. With the Al-Nassr looking set to be Ronaldo's new home, there are reports that Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante is also set to join the Portuguese striker. According to The Mirror, the 31-year-old Frenchman is out of contract following the end of the season. Thus, he could move on a free transfer in search of a new challenge despite him wanting to remain firm in London. Also Read: Real Madrid ready to pay £1 billion for Kylian Mbappe next summer - Reports Kante has been one of the top performers for Chelsea ever since he became a part of the club in 2016, from Leicester City. Nonetheless, he hasn't been featured on many occasions for the club in recent times. In the ongoing season, he has played just twice for Chelsea as he is no longer reliably fit and even missed the Qatar World Cup, where France ended as runners-up. Playing in Saudi Arabia might prove to be less taxing on Kante's body and, in turn, offer also help him secure a huge deal in what would likely be his last few years as a professional footballer.

Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante to unite with Cristiano Ronaldo at Saudi club Al-Nassr: Reports

The Australian Grand Prix will remain in Melbourne until at least 2037 with a new deal to be the season-opening race on at least four occasions and Saudi Arabia to kick off the 2024 campaign, the Victoria state government said on Thursday. The deal for a further two years at Albert Park follows a 10-year extension announced in June.

"Part of the deal will see Melbourne host the first race of the&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;season for at least four years between 2023 and 2037," the government said in a statement. It added that Saudi Arabia would host the 2024 opener "out of respect for Ramadan". This year’s Australian Grand Prix drew a record crowd of around 419,000 over the course of the weekend and the government said next year, with&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;Two and Three included on the programme, was set to be even bigger. "The demand for next year’s (race) has already reached fever pitch, with event organisers eyeing record attendance numbers after tickets for the main race day sold out in only three-and-a-half hours after they went on sale," it said.

Australian Grand Prix Corporation chief executive Andrew Westacott said he will stand down after next year's race, which is scheduled from March 30-April 2.

The Australian Grand Prix will remain in Melbourne until at least 2037 with a new deal to be the season-opening race on at least four occasions and Saudi Arabia to kick off the 2024 campaign, the Victoria state government said on Thursday.

The Australian Grand Prix will remain in Melbourne until at least 2037 with a new deal to be the season-opening race on at least four occasions and Saudi Arabia to kick off the 2024 campaign, the Victoria state government said on Thursday. The deal for a further two years at Albert Park follows a 10-year extension announced in June. "Part of the deal will see Melbourne host the first race of the Formula One season for at least four years between 2023 and 2037," the government said in a statement. It added that Saudi Arabia would host the 2024 opener "out of respect for Ramadan". This year’s Australian Grand Prix drew a record crowd of around 419,000 over the course of the weekend and the government said next year, with Formula Two and Three included on the programme, was set to be even bigger. "The demand for next year’s (race) has already reached fever pitch, with event organisers eyeing record attendance numbers after tickets for the main race day sold out in only three-and-a-half hours after they went on sale," it said. Australian Grand Prix Corporation chief executive Andrew Westacott said he will stand down after next year's race, which is scheduled from March 30-April 2.

Australia extends Formula 1 deal, Saudi Arabia to kickoff 2024 season

Cristiano Ronaldo is one such name who continues to make headlines at a consistent basis. Ahead of the FIFA World Cup, in Qatar, Ronaldo made heads turn with his explosive interview with British broadcaster Piers Morgan where he spoke at length on his fallout with the Manchester United team management. This led to his exit before the end of his contract. While now he is involved in the Qatar World Cup, where he is leading Portugal, the 37-year-old striker continues to make heads turn with many speculating which&nbsp;club will he join after leaving the Red Devils.

Amid all this,&nbsp;a report by Spanish news outlet Marca has stated that the Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, based in the capital city of Riyadh, has offered Ronaldo a whopping deal of €200 million per year if the 37-year-old gives his nod to stay till 2025. Hence, Ronaldo could earn an unimaginable €400 million for his entire stint with Al Nassr. The report further adds that the Portugal captain is on the verge of finalising the deal with the club.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-wc-adidas-addresses-goal-controversy-reveals-ball-technology-confirms-ronaldo-didnt-score-vs-uruguay-538614">FIFA WC: Adidas addresses goal controversy, reveals ball technology confirms Ronaldo didn't score vs Uruguay</a>

In addition, there were strong rumours that Bayern Munich was interested in acquiring the services of Ronaldo. Nonetheless, the club CEO Oliver Kahn has made it clear, via a statement, that the club is not looking to sign Ronaldo. At present, the veteran footballer is focused on leading Portugal to the coveted trophy in the ongoing FIFA WC in Qatar. In their opening two games, the former Euro champions defeated Ghana (3-2) and also went past Uruguay, who eliminated them in the Round of 16, with a 2-0 scoreline.&nbsp;

In his interaction with Morgan, Ronaldo blasted Man United and its facilities ever since he rejoined the club in 2021. He even claimed that he has no respect for current team manager Erik Ten Hag. Following this, he parted ways with the 13-time Premier League champions. After his exit, Ronaldo shared a heartfelt note on Insatgram saying, "Following conversations with Manchester United we have mutually agreed to end our contract early. I love Manchester United and I love the fans, that will never ever change. However, it feels like the right time for me to seek a new challenge. I wish the team every success for the remainder of the season and for the future."

Cristiano Ronaldo is one such name who continues to make headlines at a consistent basis. Ahead of the FIFA World Cup, in Qatar, Ronaldo made heads turn with his explosive interview with British broadcaster Piers Morgan where he spoke at length on his fallout with the Manchester United team management.

Cristiano Ronaldo is one such name who continues to make headlines at a consistent basis. Ahead of the FIFA World Cup, in Qatar, Ronaldo made heads turn with his explosive interview with British broadcaster Piers Morgan where he spoke at length on his fallout with the Manchester United team management. This led to his exit before the end of his contract. While now he is involved in the Qatar World Cup, where he is leading Portugal, the 37-year-old striker continues to make heads turn with many speculating which club will he join after leaving the Red Devils. Amid all this, a report by Spanish news outlet Marca has stated that the Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, based in the capital city of Riyadh, has offered Ronaldo a whopping deal of €200 million per year if the 37-year-old gives his nod to stay till 2025. Hence, Ronaldo could earn an unimaginable €400 million for his entire stint with Al Nassr. The report further adds that the Portugal captain is on the verge of finalising the deal with the club. Also read: FIFA WC: Adidas addresses goal controversy, reveals ball technology confirms Ronaldo didn't score vs Uruguay In addition, there were strong rumours that Bayern Munich was interested in acquiring the services of Ronaldo. Nonetheless, the club CEO Oliver Kahn has made it clear, via a statement, that the club is not looking to sign Ronaldo. At present, the veteran footballer is focused on leading Portugal to the coveted trophy in the ongoing FIFA WC in Qatar. In their opening two games, the former Euro champions defeated Ghana (3-2) and also went past Uruguay, who eliminated them in the Round of 16, with a 2-0 scoreline. In his interaction with Morgan, Ronaldo blasted Man United and its facilities ever since he rejoined the club in 2021. He even claimed that he has no respect for current team manager Erik Ten Hag. Following this, he parted ways with the 13-time Premier League champions. After his exit, Ronaldo shared a heartfelt note on Insatgram saying, "Following conversations with Manchester United we have mutually agreed to end our contract early. I love Manchester United and I love the fans, that will never ever change. However, it feels like the right time for me to seek a new challenge. I wish the team every success for the remainder of the season and for the future."

UNBELIEVABLE! Ronaldo on the verge of agreeing to a whopping €400 million deal with Saudi Arabian club: Report

The FIFA World Cup 2022 edition has started off with a bang. While a lot of off-field news are making the headlines from time to time, the action on the ground has been enthralling as well. After Monday (November 21) saw three fixtures being held -- with England thrashing Iran, Netherlands going past Senegal and USA-Wales tie ending in a 1-1 stalemate -- Argentina will square off with Saudi Arabia in Group C's first game.&nbsp;

Talking about Argentina, all eyes will be on Lionel Messi. Messi will enter the ground and achieve a major feat of becoming the first from his country to play as many as five separate editions of the World Cup. Argentina will be desperate to start off with a bang against a side whose best performance was a Round of 16 appearance in the 1994 edition. Here's everything to know about the Argentina vs Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup clash:

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-lionel-messi-to-achieve-major-milestone-in-argentinas-opener-vs-saudi-arabia-536304">FIFA World Cup: Lionel Messi to achieve major milestone in Argentina's opener vs Saudi Arabia</a>

<h2>When is the Argentina vs Saudi Arabia match of the FIFA World Cup 2022?</h2>

The&nbsp;Argentina vs Saudi Arabia&nbsp;FIFA World Cup 2022 fixture, from Group C, will be played&nbsp;at the&nbsp;Lusail Stadium, Qatar.

<h2>What time will the match be telecast in India?</h2>

The match will commence&nbsp;at 15:30 PM IST on Tuesday afternoon (November 22).

<h2>Where can we watch the match live:&nbsp;Broadcast TV and OTT Channel in India?</h2>

In India, fans can enjoy the&nbsp;FIFA World Cup matches on TV on&nbsp;Sports18&nbsp;and Sports18 HD channels. Meanwhile, the live streaming will take place&nbsp;on the&nbsp;Jio Cinema app&nbsp;or website.

The FIFA World Cup 2022 edition has started off with a bang. While a lot of off-field news are making the headlines from time to time, the action on the ground has been enthralling as well.

The FIFA World Cup 2022 edition has started off with a bang. While a lot of off-field news are making the headlines from time to time, the action on the ground has been enthralling as well. After Monday (November 21) saw three fixtures being held -- with England thrashing Iran, Netherlands going past Senegal and USA-Wales tie ending in a 1-1 stalemate -- Argentina will square off with Saudi Arabia in Group C's first game. Talking about Argentina, all eyes will be on Lionel Messi. Messi will enter the ground and achieve a major feat of becoming the first from his country to play as many as five separate editions of the World Cup. Argentina will be desperate to start off with a bang against a side whose best performance was a Round of 16 appearance in the 1994 edition. Here's everything to know about the Argentina vs Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup clash: Also read: FIFA World Cup: Lionel Messi to achieve major milestone in Argentina's opener vs Saudi Arabia When is the Argentina vs Saudi Arabia match of the FIFA World Cup 2022? The Argentina vs Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup 2022 fixture, from Group C, will be played at the Lusail Stadium, Qatar. What time will the match be telecast in India? The match will commence at 15:30 PM IST on Tuesday afternoon (November 22). Where can we watch the match live: Broadcast TV and OTT Channel in India? In India, fans can enjoy the FIFA World Cup matches on TV on Sports18 and Sports18 HD channels. Meanwhile, the live streaming will take place on the Jio Cinema app or website.

FIFA World Cup 2022 Broadcast TV and OTT-Live Streaming: When and where to watch Argentina vs Saudi Arabia?

The action continues in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022 edition, in Qatar, on Tuesday (November 22) with as many as three games on the cards. Lionel Messi will be seen in action as Argentina will open their campaign versus Saudi Arabia, in Group C, at the Lusail Stadium, Qatar. All eyes will be on superstar Messi as the 35-year-old will aim to start off well in what is most likely to be his last World Cup appearance.

As Messi will step on to the ground, the Argentinian will&nbsp;become the first player from his country to feature&nbsp;in as many as five separate World Cups. Earlier, both Diego Maradona and Javier Mascherano had appeared&nbsp;in four world cups each.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/qatar-world-cup-fifa-rejects-belgiums-away-shirts-due-to-word-love-536286">Qatar World Cup: FIFA rejects Belgium's away shirts due to word 'Love'</a>

Talking about Messi, the veteran will be eager to make the most of this edition of the World Cup, in Qatar, which is set to be his last in the mega event's history. Last year, he won his first international trophy by leading Argentina to the Copa America title, with a win over Brazil, and will now aim to move past the missed opportunity in the 2014 World Cup, where Argentina lost to Germany in the final.

In the 2018 edition, Argentina ended their campaign in the Round of 16. In Qatar 2022, they are placed in Group C along with Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland.&nbsp;

Argentina World Cup 2022 Final Squad

Emiliano Martinez, Franco Armani,&nbsp;Nahuel Molina,&nbsp;Gonzalo Montiel,&nbsp;German Pezzella,&nbsp;Nicolas Otamendi,&nbsp;Cristian Romero,&nbsp;Lisandro Martinez,&nbsp;Nicolas Tagliafico, Marcos Acuna, Juan Foyth,&nbsp;Guido Rodriguez, Rodrigo De Paul, Exequiel Palacios,&nbsp;Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Alejandro Gomez,&nbsp;Leandro Paredes,&nbsp;Lionel Messi (c),&nbsp; Nicolas Gonzalez, Lautaro Martinez, Paulo Dybala, Julian Alvarez, Joaquin Correa, Angel Di Maria

The action continues in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022 edition, in Qatar, on Tuesday (November 22) with as many as three games on the cards. Lionel Messi will be seen in action as Argentina will open their campaign versus Saudi Arabia, in Group C, at the Lusail Stadium, Qatar.

The action continues in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022 edition, in Qatar, on Tuesday (November 22) with as many as three games on the cards. Lionel Messi will be seen in action as Argentina will open their campaign versus Saudi Arabia, in Group C, at the Lusail Stadium, Qatar. All eyes will be on superstar Messi as the 35-year-old will aim to start off well in what is most likely to be his last World Cup appearance. As Messi will step on to the ground, the Argentinian will become the first player from his country to feature in as many as five separate World Cups. Earlier, both Diego Maradona and Javier Mascherano had appeared in four world cups each. Also read: Qatar World Cup: FIFA rejects Belgium's away shirts due to word 'Love' Talking about Messi, the veteran will be eager to make the most of this edition of the World Cup, in Qatar, which is set to be his last in the mega event's history. Last year, he won his first international trophy by leading Argentina to the Copa America title, with a win over Brazil, and will now aim to move past the missed opportunity in the 2014 World Cup, where Argentina lost to Germany in the final. In the 2018 edition, Argentina ended their campaign in the Round of 16. In Qatar 2022, they are placed in Group C along with Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland. Argentina World Cup 2022 Final Squad Emiliano Martinez, Franco Armani, Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, German Pezzella, Nicolas Otamendi, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico, Marcos Acuna, Juan Foyth, Guido Rodriguez, Rodrigo De Paul, Exequiel Palacios, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Alejandro Gomez, Leandro Paredes, Lionel Messi (c), Nicolas Gonzalez, Lautaro Martinez, Paulo Dybala, Julian Alvarez, Joaquin Correa, Angel Di Maria

FIFA World Cup: Lionel Messi to achieve major milestone in Argentina's opener vs Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia said on Tuesday it has won a bid to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games at a planned mountain resort in the Gulf Arab state's $500 billion flagship NEOM project. The TROJENA development is expected to be completed in 2026 and will offer outdoor skiing, a man-made freshwater lake and a nature reserve, according to the project's website.

"With the unlimited support by the Saudi leadership &amp; HRH Crown Prince to the sport sector we are proud to announce we have won the bid to host AWG TROJENA2029 as the first country in west Asia," Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki Al-Faisal said on Twitter. NEOM is Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's most ambitious project under the kingdom's Vision 2030 development plan to reduce reliance on oil and transform the economy, including by developing sports.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sydney-united-58-fans-condemned-for-nazi-style-salute-and-song-522230">Sydney United 58 fans condemned for Nazi-style salute and song</a>

NEOM, a 26,500-square-km (10,230-square-mile) high-tech development on the Red Sea, will include zero-carbon city "The Line" as well as industrial and logistics areas.

Saudi Arabia said on Tuesday it has won a bid to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games at a planned mountain resort in the Gulf Arab state's $500 billion flagship NEOM project.

Saudi Arabia said on Tuesday it has won a bid to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games at a planned mountain resort in the Gulf Arab state's $500 billion flagship NEOM project. The TROJENA development is expected to be completed in 2026 and will offer outdoor skiing, a man-made freshwater lake and a nature reserve, according to the project's website. "With the unlimited support by the Saudi leadership & HRH Crown Prince to the sport sector we are proud to announce we have won the bid to host AWG TROJENA2029 as the first country in west Asia," Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki Al-Faisal said on Twitter. NEOM is Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's most ambitious project under the kingdom's Vision 2030 development plan to reduce reliance on oil and transform the economy, including by developing sports. ALSO READ | Sydney United 58 fans condemned for Nazi-style salute and song NEOM, a 26,500-square-km (10,230-square-mile) high-tech development on the Red Sea, will include zero-carbon city "The Line" as well as industrial and logistics areas.

Saudi Arabia wins bid to host 2029 Asian Winter Games

A restaurant in Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah city was shut down after authorities found that it had been preparing samosa, an Indian snack, and other eatables in the toilet for more than 30 years.

According to local media reports, the Jeddah Municipality raided the eatery after receiving a tip-off that it had been making snacks in an “unhygienic condition” for the past three decades.

During the raid, the authorities also discovered that it was using meat, chicken and cheese that expired more than two years ago, Okaz newspaper reported.

It also found many insects and rodents at the site. Apart from that, the workers were found to be working with no health cards and the restaurant had also broken residency laws, according to the Saudi newspaper.

The restaurant has now been sealed off and more than a tonne of food stuff have been destroyed.

Notably, this is not the first that an eatery in Saudi has made headlines for operating in unhygienic conditions.

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فأر ضخم يعتلي سيخ شاورما ويأكل منه بكل راحته! 
 
مطعم في جدة 
 
بدون تعليق! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D9%81%D9%8A%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%88?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#فيديو</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D9%85%D8%AA%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%88%D9%84?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#متداول</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D9%81%D8%A3%D8%B1_%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%A7%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%85%D8%A7?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#فأر_الشاورما</a> 
 
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— Reema Abuhamdieh (@ReemaAHamdieh) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReemaAHamdieh/status/1484585435158433801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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A famous Shawarma restaurant in Jeddah was closed in January after a rat was spotted wandering around and feasting on meat on top of a skewer.

A video of the rat feasting on the meat in the Al Baghdadiah neighbourhood had gone viral following which the authorities swiftly sealed the restaurant, according to the Saudi newspaper Aajel.

According to the report, Saudi officials had carried out 2,833 inspection tours following the incident. The municipality said that the inspection campaign resulted in finding 43 violations and shutting down 26 facilities.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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A restaurant in Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah city was shut down after authorities found that it had been preparing samosa, an Indian snack, and other eatables in the toilet for more than 30 years.

A restaurant in Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah city was shut down after authorities found that it had been preparing samosa, an Indian snack, and other eatables in the toilet for more than 30 years. According to local media reports, the Jeddah Municipality raided the eatery after receiving a tip-off that it had been making snacks in an “unhygienic condition” for the past three decades. During the raid, the authorities also discovered that it was using meat, chicken and cheese that expired more than two years ago, Okaz newspaper reported. It also found many insects and rodents at the site. Apart from that, the workers were found to be working with no health cards and the restaurant had also broken residency laws, according to the Saudi newspaper. The restaurant has now been sealed off and more than a tonne of food stuff have been destroyed. Notably, this is not the first that an eatery in Saudi has made headlines for operating in unhygienic conditions. فأر ضخم يعتلي سيخ شاورما ويأكل منه بكل راحته! مطعم في جدة بدون تعليق! #فيديو #متداول #فأر_الشاورما pic.twitter.com/s3vwvHtUDi — Reema Abuhamdieh (@ReemaAHamdieh) January 21, 2022 × A famous Shawarma restaurant in Jeddah was closed in January after a rat was spotted wandering around and feasting on meat on top of a skewer. A video of the rat feasting on the meat in the Al Baghdadiah neighbourhood had gone viral following which the authorities swiftly sealed the restaurant, according to the Saudi newspaper Aajel. According to the report, Saudi officials had carried out 2,833 inspection tours following the incident. The municipality said that the inspection campaign resulted in finding 43 violations and shutting down 26 facilities. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Saudi eatery shut after authorities find Indian snack being made in toilet for 30 years

Four employees of the airport of Saudi Arabia's southwestern city of Abha have been injured as a result of an attack carried out by an explosive-laden drone launched by the Yemeni Shia Houthi rebels, media reported.

The drone was downed by the Saudi forces but four people were injured by debris of the destroyed drone, Saudi Arabia`s state-run Al-Ekhbariya broadcaster reported, citing the Arab coalition.

Yemen has been engulfed in an armed conflict between the government forces, led by President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi, and the Houthi rebels for several years.

Since March 2015, the Saudi-led Arab alliance, working in cooperation with Hadi's forces, has been conducting air, land and sea operations against the rebels, who control the capital of Sanaa and large areas in northern and western Yemen.

The Houthis often use drones with explosives to attack Saudi border areas.

The drone was downed by the Saudi forces but four people were injured by debris of the destroyed drone, Saudi Arabia`s state-run Al-Ekhbariya broadcaster reported, citing the Arab coalition.

Yemen has been engulfed in an armed conflict between the government forces, led by President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi, and the Houthi rebels for several years.

Since March 2015, the Saudi-led Arab alliance, working in cooperation with Hadi's forces, has been conducting air, land and sea operations against the rebels, who control the capital of Sanaa and large areas in northern and western Yemen.

The Houthis often use drones with explosives to attack Saudi border areas.

Four employees of the airport of Saudi Arabia's southwestern city of Abha have been injured as a result of an attack carried out by an explosive-laden drone launched by the Yemeni Shia Houthi rebels, media reported.

Four employees of the airport of Saudi Arabia's southwestern city of Abha have been injured as a result of an attack carried out by an explosive-laden drone launched by the Yemeni Shia Houthi rebels, media reported. The drone was downed by the Saudi forces but four people were injured by debris of the destroyed drone, Saudi Arabia`s state-run Al-Ekhbariya broadcaster reported, citing the Arab coalition. Yemen has been engulfed in an armed conflict between the government forces, led by President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi, and the Houthi rebels for several years. Since March 2015, the Saudi-led Arab alliance, working in cooperation with Hadi's forces, has been conducting air, land and sea operations against the rebels, who control the capital of Sanaa and large areas in northern and western Yemen. The Houthis often use drones with explosives to attack Saudi border areas. The drone was downed by the Saudi forces but four people were injured by debris of the destroyed drone, Saudi Arabia`s state-run Al-Ekhbariya broadcaster reported, citing the Arab coalition. Yemen has been engulfed in an armed conflict between the government forces, led by President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi, and the Houthi rebels for several years. Since March 2015, the Saudi-led Arab alliance, working in cooperation with Hadi's forces, has been conducting air, land and sea operations against the rebels, who control the capital of Sanaa and large areas in northern and western Yemen. The Houthis often use drones with explosives to attack Saudi border areas.

Four employees of airport in Saudi Arabia's Abha injured by Houthi drone attack

The institutional tranche of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/saudi-arabia-kick-starts-ipo-of-worlds-largest-oil-company-259638">Saudi Aramco's</a> planned initial public offering (IPO) has been almost three times oversubscribed, receiving orders worth 189.04 billion riyals ($50.4 billion), financial advisers for the IPO said on Tuesday.

The book-building process for allocating shares to institutional buyers typically asset managers, insurers or pension funds&nbsp;began on November&nbsp;17 and investors have until 1700 Saudi time on December&nbsp;4 to place orders.

Aramco plans to sell 1.5 per cent&nbsp;of its shares in a deal that could raise up to $25.6 billion.

The state-owned Saudi oil giant has received subscription orders for around 5.9 billion shares so far from&nbsp;institutions&nbsp;in the first 17 days of the IPO, Samba Capital, NCB Capital, and HSBC Saudi Arabia said.

Typically, IPOs in Saudi Arabia tend to be subscribed many times over, although the unprecedented size of Aramco's listing means it is harder to benchmark the level of demand.

The biggest IPO in Saudi Arabia, before Aramco, was for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-must-face-us-lawsuits-over-september-11-attacks-127162">National Commercial Bank</a> (NCB) in 2013, which sought to raise $6 billion and was oversubscribed many times over.

Aramco has previously said 0.5 per cent of the offering will be allocated to retail investors, leaving 1 per cent or&nbsp;2 billion shares for institutional buyers.

The deal could be the world's biggest IPO if it tops the $25 billion listing of China's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/alibaba-launches-134-billion-hong-kong-listing-to-fund-expansion-261906">Alibaba Group </a>Holding Ltd&nbsp;in 2014.

The lead managers did not provide a breakdown of the institutional investors, but in a separate statement last week Samba Capital said the bulk of orders came from Saudi companies and funds, while foreign investors accounted for just 10.5 per cent&nbsp;of the offers as of November&nbsp;28.

The retail tranche, which closed on that date, attracted bids worth 47.4 billion riyals, equivalent to around 1.5 times the number of shares offered.

Riyadh scaled back its original IPO plans, scrapping an international roadshow to focus instead on marketing the offering to wealthy <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/trouble-in-the-gulf-as-us-iran-dispute-threatens-to-escalate-into-serious-conflict-220323">Gulf Arab allies</a>. It has stayed quiet on when or where it might list the stock abroad.

The deal is the centerpiece of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's plans to diversify the Saudi economy away from oil.

The institutional tranche of Saudi Aramco's planned initial public offering (IPO) has been almost three times oversubscribed, receiving orders worth 189.04 billion riyals ($50.

The institutional tranche of Saudi Aramco's planned initial public offering (IPO) has been almost three times oversubscribed, receiving orders worth 189.04 billion riyals ($50.4 billion), financial advisers for the IPO said on Tuesday. The book-building process for allocating shares to institutional buyers typically asset managers, insurers or pension funds began on November 17 and investors have until 1700 Saudi time on December 4 to place orders. Aramco plans to sell 1.5 per cent of its shares in a deal that could raise up to $25.6 billion. The state-owned Saudi oil giant has received subscription orders for around 5.9 billion shares so far from institutions in the first 17 days of the IPO, Samba Capital, NCB Capital, and HSBC Saudi Arabia said. Typically, IPOs in Saudi Arabia tend to be subscribed many times over, although the unprecedented size of Aramco's listing means it is harder to benchmark the level of demand. The biggest IPO in Saudi Arabia, before Aramco, was for the National Commercial Bank (NCB) in 2013, which sought to raise $6 billion and was oversubscribed many times over. Aramco has previously said 0.5 per cent of the offering will be allocated to retail investors, leaving 1 per cent or 2 billion shares for institutional buyers. The deal could be the world's biggest IPO if it tops the $25 billion listing of China's Alibaba Group Holding Ltd in 2014. The lead managers did not provide a breakdown of the institutional investors, but in a separate statement last week Samba Capital said the bulk of orders came from Saudi companies and funds, while foreign investors accounted for just 10.5 per cent of the offers as of November 28. The retail tranche, which closed on that date, attracted bids worth 47.4 billion riyals, equivalent to around 1.5 times the number of shares offered. Riyadh scaled back its original IPO plans, scrapping an international roadshow to focus instead on marketing the offering to wealthy Gulf Arab allies. It has stayed quiet on when or where it might list the stock abroad. The deal is the centerpiece of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's plans to diversify the Saudi economy away from oil.

Saudi Aramco IPO institutional tranche 2.95 times oversubscribed

Asian share prices inched higher on Friday as economic stimulus around the world eased fears over slowing growth, while crude oil prices climbed on concerns that last weekend's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/international-oil-prices-surge-nearly-20-after-attack-on-saudi-oil-facilities-249978">attacks on Saudi Arabia's oil</a> facilities still pose supply risks.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.15 per cent though it is on course to post its first weekly decline in five, hit by sizable losses in Hong Kong and India.

Japan's Nikkei rose 0.46 per cent to come within striking distance of its year-to-date peak and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/saudi-oil-attacks-put-us-commitments-to-the-test-250551">US</a>&nbsp;and European shares also stood near their best levels this year.

The S&amp;P 500 ended flat on Thursday, staying than less than 1 per cent below its closing record high hit in July, while the pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 index also came within sight of this year's peak.

Monetary easing by the US&nbsp;Federal Reserve this week and by the European Central Bank last week underpinned investor sentiment.

China also cut its new one-year benchmark lending rate for the second month in a row on Friday, by 5 basis points as Beijing seeks to guide borrowing costs lower for an economy hit by the Sino-US&nbsp;trade war.

"The direct and immediate impact on the economy will be limited given the small size of the cut, but the cut has made it clear the Chinese authorities are taking an accommodative stance and should give reassurance to Chinese stock markets," said Wang Shenshen, an economist at Tokai Tokyo Research Center.

The latest <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-says-abundantly-clear-iran-was-behind-saudi-oil-attacks-250674">US</a>&nbsp;economic data also eased worries about the slowdown in the world's largest economy.

The number of Americans filing applications for unemployment benefits increased less than expected last week while home resales rose to a 17-month high in August.

"Investors are starting to price in the possibility of re-acceleration in the global economy next year. So far this month China has taken steps to support the economy, and US&nbsp;and European central banks eased policy," said Nobuhiko Kuramochi, chief strategist at Mizuho Securities.

"There are hopes of an interim or partial trade deal between China as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-locked-and-loaded-after-saudi-attacks-as-oil-prices-surge-249886">US&nbsp;President Trump</a> will need to shore up the economy next year before the election," he added.

The US&nbsp;and Chinese deputy trade negotiators resumed face-to-face talks for the first time in nearly two months on Thursday, trying to lay the groundwork for high-level talks in early October.

Hopes for a deal were so strong that the markets shrugged off a media report that a trade adviser to Trump has said the US&nbsp;president is ready to raise tariffs to 50 or 100 per cent.

The New York Fed continued to inject a large amount of cash in money markets to deal with funding squeeze since the start of the week, helping to bring down interest rates in the US&nbsp;repo market, a key funding market.

In currency markets, the British pound kept its uptrend after European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said a Brexit deal is possible and that if the Irish border backstop which the British government wants to be removed could be replaced with alternatives, it would not be needed.

Sterling traded at $1.2533, up 0.09 per cent on the day, having hit a two-month high of $1.2560 on Thursday. The British unit stood near its highest levels in almost four months versus the euro at 88.19 pence per euro.

The euro was at $1.105, staying in a holding pattern this week.

The yen edged up to at 107.91 yen to the dollar, off its 1-1/2 month low of 108.48 yen hit on Wednesday.

The Brazilian real fell 1.4 per cent on Thursday to 4.167 to the dollar after the central bank slashed borrowing costs to an all-time low and signalled it was prepared to do so again in the coming months.

Oil prices bounced back on continued worries about the stability of oil supply as tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran showed little sign of abating after a weekend attack on Saudi oil installations.

Saudi-led forces on Friday launched a military operation in northern Yemen against what it described as "legitimate military targets", an incident that could aggravate regional tensions.

Washington said on Thursday it was building a coalition to deter Iranian threats while Tehran has warned Trump against being dragged into a war in the Middle East and said it would meet any offensive action with a crushing response.

Brent crude futures rose 0.78 per cent to $64.90 a barrel while US&nbsp;West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained 1.14 per cent to $58.79 per barrel.

Asian share prices inched higher on Friday as economic stimulus around the world eased fears over slowing growth, while crude oil prices climbed on concerns that last weekend's attacks on Saudi Arabia's oil facilities still pose supply risks.

Asian share prices inched higher on Friday as economic stimulus around the world eased fears over slowing growth, while crude oil prices climbed on concerns that last weekend's attacks on Saudi Arabia's oil facilities still pose supply risks. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.15 per cent though it is on course to post its first weekly decline in five, hit by sizable losses in Hong Kong and India. Japan's Nikkei rose 0.46 per cent to come within striking distance of its year-to-date peak and US and European shares also stood near their best levels this year. The S&P 500 ended flat on Thursday, staying than less than 1 per cent below its closing record high hit in July, while the pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 index also came within sight of this year's peak. Monetary easing by the US Federal Reserve this week and by the European Central Bank last week underpinned investor sentiment. China also cut its new one-year benchmark lending rate for the second month in a row on Friday, by 5 basis points as Beijing seeks to guide borrowing costs lower for an economy hit by the Sino-US trade war. "The direct and immediate impact on the economy will be limited given the small size of the cut, but the cut has made it clear the Chinese authorities are taking an accommodative stance and should give reassurance to Chinese stock markets," said Wang Shenshen, an economist at Tokai Tokyo Research Center. The latest US economic data also eased worries about the slowdown in the world's largest economy. The number of Americans filing applications for unemployment benefits increased less than expected last week while home resales rose to a 17-month high in August. "Investors are starting to price in the possibility of re-acceleration in the global economy next year. So far this month China has taken steps to support the economy, and US and European central banks eased policy," said Nobuhiko Kuramochi, chief strategist at Mizuho Securities. "There are hopes of an interim or partial trade deal between China as US President Trump will need to shore up the economy next year before the election," he added. The US and Chinese deputy trade negotiators resumed face-to-face talks for the first time in nearly two months on Thursday, trying to lay the groundwork for high-level talks in early October. Hopes for a deal were so strong that the markets shrugged off a media report that a trade adviser to Trump has said the US president is ready to raise tariffs to 50 or 100 per cent. The New York Fed continued to inject a large amount of cash in money markets to deal with funding squeeze since the start of the week, helping to bring down interest rates in the US repo market, a key funding market. In currency markets, the British pound kept its uptrend after European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said a Brexit deal is possible and that if the Irish border backstop which the British government wants to be removed could be replaced with alternatives, it would not be needed. Sterling traded at $1.2533, up 0.09 per cent on the day, having hit a two-month high of $1.2560 on Thursday. The British unit stood near its highest levels in almost four months versus the euro at 88.19 pence per euro. The euro was at $1.105, staying in a holding pattern this week. The yen edged up to at 107.91 yen to the dollar, off its 1-1/2 month low of 108.48 yen hit on Wednesday. The Brazilian real fell 1.4 per cent on Thursday to 4.167 to the dollar after the central bank slashed borrowing costs to an all-time low and signalled it was prepared to do so again in the coming months. Oil prices bounced back on continued worries about the stability of oil supply as tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran showed little sign of abating after a weekend attack on Saudi oil installations. Saudi-led forces on Friday launched a military operation in northern Yemen against what it described as "legitimate military targets", an incident that could aggravate regional tensions. Washington said on Thursday it was building a coalition to deter Iranian threats while Tehran has warned Trump against being dragged into a war in the Middle East and said it would meet any offensive action with a crushing response. Brent crude futures rose 0.78 per cent to $64.90 a barrel while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained 1.14 per cent to $58.79 per barrel.

Economy hopes support shares, oil edges up on Mideast tensions

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-blames-iran-for-saudi-attacks-pretend-diplomacy-249751">US</a> Secretary of State Mike Pompeo departed for Saudi Arabia Tuesday to discuss possible retaliation after Washington said it had proof that attacks on Saudi oil installations originated in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-dismisses-us-claim-it-was-behind-saudi-oil-attacks-says-ready-for-war-249810">Iran</a>.

Vice President Mike Pence announced that Pompeo was on his way to the kingdom to "discuss our response."

"As the president said, we don't want war with anybody but the United States is prepared," Pence said in a speech in Washington.

"We're locked and loaded and we're ready to defend our interests and allies in the region, make no mistake about it," he said, echoing President Donald Trump's words on Sunday.

A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP that the Trump administration has concluded that last weekend's attack involved cruise missiles from Iran and that evidence would be presented at the UN General Assembly next week.

The apparent hardening of the US position came as Iran's supreme leader ruled out negotiations with Washington "at any level."

This appeared to nix remaining hopes for a dramatic meeting between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-does-not-rule-out-trump-rouhani-meeting-after-saudi-attacks-249856">Trump and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani</a> at the United Nations next week.

Speaking to reporters on Air Force One over California, Trump said he too had cooled on what had always seemed to be a diplomatic longshot.

"I never rule anything out, but I prefer not meeting him," Trump said.

'It's not possible'

Yemen's Iranian-backed Huthi rebels claimed responsibility for Saturday's oil installation attacks, which halved output from the petro-state, a close ally of Washington.

But a senior US administration official cast doubt on that claim, saying that while the Huthis said they used 10 drones, one Saudi oil facility was hit "at least 17 times," and another twice by "precision-guided munitions."

Additionally, neither the type of drone "nor the cruise missiles employed in the attack can reach the facilities from Yemen. It's not possible," the official said.

The Huthis are at war with Saudi-backed forces in Yemen, turning the impoverished nation into a proxy battlefield for bitter regional rivals Tehran and Riyadh.

The increasingly complex conflict dovetails with the Trump administration's attempt to curb Iranian power through a "maximum pressure" campaign of crippling economic sanctions.

Trump began that campaign after unilaterally pulling out of a 2015 international deal meant to reward Iran for allowing restrictions on its nuclear industry.

He says that Tehran is secretly cheating and trying to build nuclear weapons and must be stopped.

Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Washington's real goal was to bring his country to its knees.

"The policy of 'maximum pressure' against the Iranian nation is worthless and all Islamic Republic of Iran officials unanimously believe there will be no negotiations with the US at any level," he said in a televised address.

Khamenei also said that as long as sanctions are in place, direct talks are impossible, including a meeting at the UN.

'Support for war?'

Whether the new stage of the long-running US-Iranian standoff leads to conflict is the big unknown.

Saudi Arabia, which has bought huge quantities of US weaponry, is considered a strategic ally in the region, second to Israel, another bitter foe of Iran.

Trump called off a retaliatory US missile attack on Iran in June after the Iranians shot down a spy drone. He said he did not want to kill what generals told him could be up to 150 people.

Trump's administration is considering responses to the latest attack including a cyber attack or a physical strike on Iranian oil infrastructure or its Revolutionary Guards, NBC News reported, citing unnamed US officials.

Republican Lindsey Graham&nbsp;a vital Trump ally in Congress struck a belligerent tone Tuesday, charging that "such a sophisticated attack could not have occurred without Iran's blessing and direct involvement."

"This is literally an act of war," Graham said.

'Oil market nervous'

The strikes hit Abqaiq, the world's largest oil processing facility, and the Khurais oil field in eastern Saudi Arabia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oil-falls-more-than-1-per-cent-as-market-awaits-response-to-saudi-oil-attacks-250122">Oil prices</a>&nbsp;receded more than five per cent on Tuesday, reversing some of the previous day's gains as analysts said they were expecting Saudi output to recover sooner than expected.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo departed for Saudi Arabia Tuesday to discuss possible retaliation after Washington said it had proof that attacks on Saudi oil installations originated in Iran.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo departed for Saudi Arabia Tuesday to discuss possible retaliation after Washington said it had proof that attacks on Saudi oil installations originated in Iran. Vice President Mike Pence announced that Pompeo was on his way to the kingdom to "discuss our response." "As the president said, we don't want war with anybody but the United States is prepared," Pence said in a speech in Washington. "We're locked and loaded and we're ready to defend our interests and allies in the region, make no mistake about it," he said, echoing President Donald Trump's words on Sunday. A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP that the Trump administration has concluded that last weekend's attack involved cruise missiles from Iran and that evidence would be presented at the UN General Assembly next week. The apparent hardening of the US position came as Iran's supreme leader ruled out negotiations with Washington "at any level." This appeared to nix remaining hopes for a dramatic meeting between Trump and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani at the United Nations next week. Speaking to reporters on Air Force One over California, Trump said he too had cooled on what had always seemed to be a diplomatic longshot. "I never rule anything out, but I prefer not meeting him," Trump said. 'It's not possible' Yemen's Iranian-backed Huthi rebels claimed responsibility for Saturday's oil installation attacks, which halved output from the petro-state, a close ally of Washington. But a senior US administration official cast doubt on that claim, saying that while the Huthis said they used 10 drones, one Saudi oil facility was hit "at least 17 times," and another twice by "precision-guided munitions." Additionally, neither the type of drone "nor the cruise missiles employed in the attack can reach the facilities from Yemen. It's not possible," the official said. The Huthis are at war with Saudi-backed forces in Yemen, turning the impoverished nation into a proxy battlefield for bitter regional rivals Tehran and Riyadh. The increasingly complex conflict dovetails with the Trump administration's attempt to curb Iranian power through a "maximum pressure" campaign of crippling economic sanctions. Trump began that campaign after unilaterally pulling out of a 2015 international deal meant to reward Iran for allowing restrictions on its nuclear industry. He says that Tehran is secretly cheating and trying to build nuclear weapons and must be stopped. Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Washington's real goal was to bring his country to its knees. "The policy of 'maximum pressure' against the Iranian nation is worthless and all Islamic Republic of Iran officials unanimously believe there will be no negotiations with the US at any level," he said in a televised address. Khamenei also said that as long as sanctions are in place, direct talks are impossible, including a meeting at the UN. 'Support for war?' Whether the new stage of the long-running US-Iranian standoff leads to conflict is the big unknown. Saudi Arabia, which has bought huge quantities of US weaponry, is considered a strategic ally in the region, second to Israel, another bitter foe of Iran. Trump called off a retaliatory US missile attack on Iran in June after the Iranians shot down a spy drone. He said he did not want to kill what generals told him could be up to 150 people. Trump's administration is considering responses to the latest attack including a cyber attack or a physical strike on Iranian oil infrastructure or its Revolutionary Guards, NBC News reported, citing unnamed US officials. Republican Lindsey Graham a vital Trump ally in Congress struck a belligerent tone Tuesday, charging that "such a sophisticated attack could not have occurred without Iran's blessing and direct involvement." "This is literally an act of war," Graham said. 'Oil market nervous' The strikes hit Abqaiq, the world's largest oil processing facility, and the Khurais oil field in eastern Saudi Arabia. Oil prices receded more than five per cent on Tuesday, reversing some of the previous day's gains as analysts said they were expecting Saudi output to recover sooner than expected.

Mike Pompeo heads to Saudi Arabia after US blames Iran

Oil futures hit a six-week high on Tuesday, rising for a fifth day on optimism that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oil-rises-as-saudi-signals-opec-cuts-to-continue-under-new-minister-248572">OPEC</a> and other countries may agree to extend production cuts in a bid to support prices.

Brent was up 26 cents, or 0.4 per cent, at $62.85 a barrel by 0349 GMT, while US&nbsp;crude was 27 cents, or 0.5 per cent, higher at $58.12 a barrel. Brent touched its highest since August 1, while US crude rose to the highest since July 31.

US oil gained more than 2 per cent&nbsp;on Monday, while Brent finished the day 1.7 per cent&nbsp;higher as the market reacted to the appointment by Saudi Arabia's king of his son, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, as energy minister on Sunday.

Prince Abdulaziz, a long-time member of the Saudi delegation to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), said the pillars of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/saudi-arabia-replaces-aramco-chairman-ahead-of-potential-ipo-247313">Saudi Arabia</a>'s policy would not change and a global deal to cut oil production by 1.2 million barrels per day would be maintained.

He added that the so-called OPEC+ alliance, made up of OPEC and non-OPEC countries including Russia, would be in place for the long term.

A meeting of OPEC and OPEC+ countries in Abu Dhabi this week "is stirring up hopes for additional supply cuts," said Stephen Innes, Asia Pacific market strategist at AxiTrader.&nbsp;

Still, Russia's oil output in August exceeded its quota under the OPEC+ agreements.

"Markets will need to see concrete progress on the production front, even as the world's economy slows, to sustain gains," said Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at OANDA.

Should oil end Tuesday higher it will be the longest run of gains since late July but headwinds remain as the US-China trade war rumbles on.

Executives at the annual Asia Pacific Petroleum Conference said on Monday they expect oil prices this year to be pressured by uncertainties surrounding the global economy, the US-China trade war and increasing US supplies.

In the United States, crude stockpiles are likely to have fallen for a fourth consecutive week last week, a preliminary Reuters poll showed on Monday. 
Five analysts polled by Reuters estimated, on average, that crude inventories fell 2.6 million barrels in the week to Sept 6.

Oil futures hit a six-week high on Tuesday, rising for a fifth day on optimism that OPEC and other countries may agree to extend production cuts in a bid to support prices.

Oil futures hit a six-week high on Tuesday, rising for a fifth day on optimism that OPEC and other countries may agree to extend production cuts in a bid to support prices. Brent was up 26 cents, or 0.4 per cent, at $62.85 a barrel by 0349 GMT, while US crude was 27 cents, or 0.5 per cent, higher at $58.12 a barrel. Brent touched its highest since August 1, while US crude rose to the highest since July 31. US oil gained more than 2 per cent on Monday, while Brent finished the day 1.7 per cent higher as the market reacted to the appointment by Saudi Arabia's king of his son, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, as energy minister on Sunday. Prince Abdulaziz, a long-time member of the Saudi delegation to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), said the pillars of Saudi Arabia's policy would not change and a global deal to cut oil production by 1.2 million barrels per day would be maintained. He added that the so-called OPEC+ alliance, made up of OPEC and non-OPEC countries including Russia, would be in place for the long term. A meeting of OPEC and OPEC+ countries in Abu Dhabi this week "is stirring up hopes for additional supply cuts," said Stephen Innes, Asia Pacific market strategist at AxiTrader. Still, Russia's oil output in August exceeded its quota under the OPEC+ agreements. "Markets will need to see concrete progress on the production front, even as the world's economy slows, to sustain gains," said Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at OANDA. Should oil end Tuesday higher it will be the longest run of gains since late July but headwinds remain as the US-China trade war rumbles on. Executives at the annual Asia Pacific Petroleum Conference said on Monday they expect oil prices this year to be pressured by uncertainties surrounding the global economy, the US-China trade war and increasing US supplies. In the United States, crude stockpiles are likely to have fallen for a fourth consecutive week last week, a preliminary Reuters poll showed on Monday. Five analysts polled by Reuters estimated, on average, that crude inventories fell 2.6 million barrels in the week to Sept 6.

Oil hits six-week high on hopes of extended OPEC output cuts

Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir will arrive in Pakistan on Wednesday to discuss regional developments with top Pakistani leadership, amid the ongoing tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad over the Kashmir issue. During the one-day visit, Al-Jubeir will hold meetings with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, reported The Express Tribune. The minister had earlier visited Pakistan in March as part of Riyadh`s efforts to de-escalate tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad that had emerged in the aftermath of the airstrike conducted by Indian Air Force at Balakot. The news of the Foreign Minister`s visit came after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan dialled Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as part of Islamabad`s nefarious designs to internationalise the Kashmir issue after New Delhi changed the constitutional status of the region by abrogating Article 370. Pakistan is rattled by the Indian government`s move to strip the special status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and has found itself completely isolated on the matter after being snubbed at the United Nations Security Council, as well as by many countries, including US, Russia, and France.&nbsp;

Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir will arrive in Pakistan on Wednesday to discuss regional developments with top Pakistani leadership, amid the ongoing tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad over the Kashmir issue.

Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir will arrive in Pakistan on Wednesday to discuss regional developments with top Pakistani leadership, amid the ongoing tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad over the Kashmir issue. During the one-day visit, Al-Jubeir will hold meetings with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, reported The Express Tribune. The minister had earlier visited Pakistan in March as part of Riyadh`s efforts to de-escalate tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad that had emerged in the aftermath of the airstrike conducted by Indian Air Force at Balakot. The news of the Foreign Minister`s visit came after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan dialled Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as part of Islamabad`s nefarious designs to internationalise the Kashmir issue after New Delhi changed the constitutional status of the region by abrogating Article 370. Pakistan is rattled by the Indian government`s move to strip the special status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and has found itself completely isolated on the matter after being snubbed at the United Nations Security Council, as well as by many countries, including US, Russia, and France.

Saudi Arabia Foreign Minister to visit Pakistan today

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-jump-as-us-threatens-sanctions-against-venezuela-192607">Oil prices rose</a> for a third day on Thursday, pushed up by lower imports into the United States amid OPEC efforts to tighten the market, and as Venezuela struggles to keep up its crude exports after Washington imposed sanctions on the nation.

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $54.47 per barrel at 0758 GMT, up 24 cents, or 0.4 per cent, from their last settlement.

International Brent crude oil futures were up 36 cents, or 0.6 per cent, at $62.01 per barrel.

The price rise came after a report from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) on Wednesday showed a drop in Saudi crude supply to the United States.

"Crude oil prices were stronger after signs emerged that OPEC cuts are impacting trade. EIA's weekly report showed that US imports from Saudi Arabia fell by more than half from the previous week to 442,000 barrels per day (bpd). This is the second lowest level in weekly data going back to 2010," ANZ bank said.

Saudi Arabia is the de-facto leader of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which together with some non-OPEC producers, including Russia, announced supply cuts late last year aimed at tightening the market and propping up prices.

US sanctions imposed on state-oil firm Petroleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA) this week are also causing some supply disruptions.

Venezuela's oil inventories have started to build up at the country's ports and terminals as PDVSA is finding it cannot export crude at its usual rate due to US sanctions imposed earlier this week.

As of Wednesday, Venezuela had 25 tankers with nearly 18 million barrels of crude - representing about two weeks of the country's production - either waiting to load or expecting authorisation to set sail, shipping data showed.

Matt Stanley, a broker with Starfuels in Dubai, said the combination of US sanctions against oil producers Venezuela and Iran, the OPEC-led supply cuts, as well as hopes that the trade dispute between the United States and China could soon be resolved meant oil prices would likely rise further.

"There are just too many factors that can only cause the price to go one way and that is up," Stanley said.

Despite this, oil remains in ample supply, not least because of soaring US crude oil production, which jumped by more than 2 million bpd last year to a record 11.9 million bpd.

This shows in high US commercial crude oil stockpiles, which rose by 919,000 barrels in the week to January 25, to 445.94 million barrels, EIA data showed. Stockpiles are 6.6 per cent higher than a year ago.

Oil prices rose for a third day on Thursday, pushed up by lower imports into the United States amid OPEC efforts to tighten the market, and as Venezuela struggles to keep up its crude exports after Washington imposed sanctions on the nation.

Oil prices rose for a third day on Thursday, pushed up by lower imports into the United States amid OPEC efforts to tighten the market, and as Venezuela struggles to keep up its crude exports after Washington imposed sanctions on the nation. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $54.47 per barrel at 0758 GMT, up 24 cents, or 0.4 per cent, from their last settlement. International Brent crude oil futures were up 36 cents, or 0.6 per cent, at $62.01 per barrel. The price rise came after a report from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) on Wednesday showed a drop in Saudi crude supply to the United States. "Crude oil prices were stronger after signs emerged that OPEC cuts are impacting trade. EIA's weekly report showed that US imports from Saudi Arabia fell by more than half from the previous week to 442,000 barrels per day (bpd). This is the second lowest level in weekly data going back to 2010," ANZ bank said. Saudi Arabia is the de-facto leader of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which together with some non-OPEC producers, including Russia, announced supply cuts late last year aimed at tightening the market and propping up prices. US sanctions imposed on state-oil firm Petroleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA) this week are also causing some supply disruptions. Venezuela's oil inventories have started to build up at the country's ports and terminals as PDVSA is finding it cannot export crude at its usual rate due to US sanctions imposed earlier this week. As of Wednesday, Venezuela had 25 tankers with nearly 18 million barrels of crude - representing about two weeks of the country's production - either waiting to load or expecting authorisation to set sail, shipping data showed. Matt Stanley, a broker with Starfuels in Dubai, said the combination of US sanctions against oil producers Venezuela and Iran, the OPEC-led supply cuts, as well as hopes that the trade dispute between the United States and China could soon be resolved meant oil prices would likely rise further. "There are just too many factors that can only cause the price to go one way and that is up," Stanley said. Despite this, oil remains in ample supply, not least because of soaring US crude oil production, which jumped by more than 2 million bpd last year to a record 11.9 million bpd. This shows in high US commercial crude oil stockpiles, which rose by 919,000 barrels in the week to January 25, to 445.94 million barrels, EIA data showed. Stockpiles are 6.6 per cent higher than a year ago.

Oil prices rise on Saudi cuts to US; Venezuela struggles to keep up exports

United Nations High Commissioner <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/australian-minister-hints-humanitarian-asylum-for-saudi-teen-in-bangkok-189116">for Refugees(UNHCR) has said</a> it has referred Saudi teenager Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun who fled home citing abuse at home to be considered for "refugee resettlement" in Australia.

"The UNHCR has referred Ms Rahaf Mohammed Al-Qunun to Australia for consideration for refugee resettlement," the Department of Home Affairs said in a statement.

Australia's health minister Greg Hunt had told a television channel that the 18-year-old Qunun would be considered for a humanitarian visa if she is found to be a refugee.

Hunt said he had spoken to immigration minister David Coleman about Qunun's case late on Tuesday.

However, Australia's home affairs minister&nbsp;Peter Dutton said there would be "no special treatment" afforded to Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun but added that Australia would work with the United Nations.

Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun has been at Bangkok's international airport since Saturday after she arrived from Kuwait, she was supposed to board a flight to Australia but was stopped by authorities at Bangkok.

Thai authorities had earlier said Qunun did not have documents related to visa on arrival, however, the Saudi teenager contended that she did not want to return home because she feared for her life.

"They will kill me," Qunun said, adding,"My life is in danger. My family threatens to kill me for the most trivial things."

The teenager's case has attracted global attention after&nbsp;journalist Jamal Khashoggi was allegedly killed by Saudi men in the Saudi consulate at Istanbul in October last year raising worldwide condemnation over human rights.

Meanwhile, Thailand's immigration chief said the father of an 18-year-old arrived in Bangkok and wanted to meet his daughter even as the UN refugee agency was conducting its investigation on the women's refugee status.

The case has also brought into attention Saudi Arabia's strict social rules, including requirement that women have the permission of a male "guardian" to travel. 
&nbsp;

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees(UNHCR) has said it has referred Saudi teenager Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun who fled home citing abuse at home to be considered for "refugee resettlement" in Australia.

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees(UNHCR) has said it has referred Saudi teenager Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun who fled home citing abuse at home to be considered for "refugee resettlement" in Australia. "The UNHCR has referred Ms Rahaf Mohammed Al-Qunun to Australia for consideration for refugee resettlement," the Department of Home Affairs said in a statement. Australia's health minister Greg Hunt had told a television channel that the 18-year-old Qunun would be considered for a humanitarian visa if she is found to be a refugee. Hunt said he had spoken to immigration minister David Coleman about Qunun's case late on Tuesday. However, Australia's home affairs minister Peter Dutton said there would be "no special treatment" afforded to Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun but added that Australia would work with the United Nations. Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun has been at Bangkok's international airport since Saturday after she arrived from Kuwait, she was supposed to board a flight to Australia but was stopped by authorities at Bangkok. Thai authorities had earlier said Qunun did not have documents related to visa on arrival, however, the Saudi teenager contended that she did not want to return home because she feared for her life. "They will kill me," Qunun said, adding,"My life is in danger. My family threatens to kill me for the most trivial things." The teenager's case has attracted global attention after journalist Jamal Khashoggi was allegedly killed by Saudi men in the Saudi consulate at Istanbul in October last year raising worldwide condemnation over human rights. Meanwhile, Thailand's immigration chief said the father of an 18-year-old arrived in Bangkok and wanted to meet his daughter even as the UN refugee agency was conducting its investigation on the women's refugee status. The case has also brought into attention Saudi Arabia's strict social rules, including requirement that women have the permission of a male "guardian" to travel.

Saudi teenager referred to Australia for refugee resettlement: UNHCR

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump on Thursday expressed confidence in intelligence reports that suggest a high-level Saudi role in the suspected killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

In an interview with the New York Times, Trump said, however, it was still "a little bit early" to draw definitive conclusions about who may have been behind it.

Trump met for less than an hour with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who gave the president an update on his talks this week with Saudi and Turkish officials about the Khashoggi case amid concern that the journalist was killed in the consulate after entering it on Oct. 2.

Pompeo told reporters after his talks with Trump that he made clear to the Saudis in his visit to Riyadh that "we take this matter with respect to Mr. Khashoggi very seriously."

"They made clear to me that they too understand the serious nature of the disappearance of Mr. Khashoggi. They also assured me that they will conduct a complete, thorough investigation of all of the facts surrounding Mr. Khashoggi and that they will do so in a timely fashion," Pompeo added.

Pompeo said he told Trump that "we ought to give them a few more days to complete" their investigation in order to get a full understanding of what happened "at which point we can make decisions about how - or if - the United States should respond to the incident surrounding Mr. Khashoggi."

"I think it's important for us all to remember to, we have a long - since 1932 - a long strategic relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," Pompeo added.

Meanwhile, four prominent human rights and press freedom groups on Thursday urged Turkey to request a United Nations investigation into the possible murder of Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi to prevent a "whitewash" of the alleged crime.

The Committee to Protect Journalists, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders said such a probe established by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres would shed light on the fate of the prominent journalist.

Turkish officials have said they believe Khashoggi - a US&nbsp;resident and Washington Post columnist who was a strong critic of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman - was murdered at the consulate and his body chopped up and removed.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday expressed confidence in intelligence reports that suggest a high-level Saudi role in the suspected killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday expressed confidence in intelligence reports that suggest a high-level Saudi role in the suspected killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. In an interview with the New York Times, Trump said, however, it was still "a little bit early" to draw definitive conclusions about who may have been behind it. Trump met for less than an hour with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who gave the president an update on his talks this week with Saudi and Turkish officials about the Khashoggi case amid concern that the journalist was killed in the consulate after entering it on Oct. 2. Pompeo told reporters after his talks with Trump that he made clear to the Saudis in his visit to Riyadh that "we take this matter with respect to Mr. Khashoggi very seriously." "They made clear to me that they too understand the serious nature of the disappearance of Mr. Khashoggi. They also assured me that they will conduct a complete, thorough investigation of all of the facts surrounding Mr. Khashoggi and that they will do so in a timely fashion," Pompeo added. Pompeo said he told Trump that "we ought to give them a few more days to complete" their investigation in order to get a full understanding of what happened "at which point we can make decisions about how - or if - the United States should respond to the incident surrounding Mr. Khashoggi." "I think it's important for us all to remember to, we have a long - since 1932 - a long strategic relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," Pompeo added. Meanwhile, four prominent human rights and press freedom groups on Thursday urged Turkey to request a United Nations investigation into the possible murder of Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi to prevent a "whitewash" of the alleged crime. The Committee to Protect Journalists, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders said such a probe established by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres would shed light on the fate of the prominent journalist. Turkish officials have said they believe Khashoggi - a US resident and Washington Post columnist who was a strong critic of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman - was murdered at the consulate and his body chopped up and removed.

Trump says too early to assign blame in Khashoggi's apparent killing

Lebanon`s powerful Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah on Friday accused Saudi Arabia of detaining prime minister Saad Hariri and of asking the Shiite movement`s arch-foe Israel to launch strikes.

Hariri`s sudden resignation on November 4 in a statement made from Riyadh took the Lebanese political class by surprise and has sparked international concern.

The United States warned against using the tiny country as a &quot;venue for proxy conflicts&quot; and the United Nations said it was &quot;essential no new conflict erupt in the region&quot;.

France called for Hariri to have &quot;all his freedom of movement&quot; amid rumours he was being held against his will.

&quot;The head of the Lebanese government is detained in Saudi Arabia, he is banned from returning to Lebanon until now,&quot; Nasrallah said in a televised address.

Hariri`s situation was not completely clear but calls, including from his Lebanese political rivals, mounted for Saudi Arabia to guarantee the premier`s freedom of movement.

The 47-year-old announced his resignation on November 4 in a surprise move that coincided with a sweeping purge of the Saudi kingdom`s elite, ostensibly over embezzlement accusations.

Hariri, who also holds Saudi nationality, did not say when he would return to Lebanon, where President Michel Aoun has yet to formally accept his resignation.

In a statement issued on Friday after a meeting with a senior Saudi diplomat, Aoun insisted Hariri should return to Lebanon.&quot;President Aoun met Saudi charge d`affaires Walid Bukhari and informed him that the circumstances in which Mr. Hariri`s resignation took place were unacceptable,&quot; the statement said.

The president &quot;called for the return to Lebanon of the head of the government&quot;.

Aoun, whose political ally Hezbollah is a fierce critic of Riyadh, &quot;voiced his concern over what is being said&quot; about Hariri`s current status in Saudi Arabia and demanded a &quot;clarification&quot;.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Friday described Hariri as &quot;a strong partner&quot; and warned against &quot;any party, within or outside Lebanon, using Lebanon as a venue for proxy conflicts or in any manner contributing to instability in that country&quot;.

&quot;The United States strongly supports the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Lebanon and of its political institutions&quot; and opposes &quot;any actions that could threaten that stability,&quot; he said.

French President Emmanuel Macron, whose country has close ties with both Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, made a surprise visit to Riyadh late Thursday after a trip to the United Arab Emirates.

On Friday, a spokesman for France`s foreign ministry said: &quot;We wish Mr. Saad Hariri to have all his freedom of movement and to be fully able to play the essential role that is his in Lebanon.&quot;&nbsp;

Earlier French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on French radio he thought Hariri was &quot;free to move around&quot;, despite most of the Lebanese political class implying he was de facto under house arrest.

&quot;He went to Abu Dhabi the day before President Macron`s visit (on Wednesday) so we think he`s free to move around,&quot; Le Drian said.

Nasrallah, whose party is the only organisation that did not disarm after the 1975-1990 civil war and now has an arsenal that outstrips Lebanon`s own armed forces, accused Saudi Arabia of seeking to incite conflict.

&quot;The most dangerous thing is inciting Israel to strike Lebanon,&quot; he said. &quot;I`m talking about information that Saudi Arabia has asked Israel to strike Lebanon.&quot;

Nasrallah, whose movement Hariri has repeatedly said should lay down its arms, also warned that his movement, which fought a devastating war with Israel in 2006, was stronger than ever.

&quot;We are stronger today, we warn them again misguided calculations, against any knee-jerk initiative,&quot; he said, adding however that his party saw any Israeli attack as being unlikely at this stage.

The UN chief, Antonio Guterres, also said: &quot;It is essential that no new conflict erupts in the region.&quot;

&quot;We are indeed very worried and we hope that we won`t see an escalation in the region that would have tragic consequences,&quot; he said.

Lebanon`s interior ministry said in a statement Friday that a Saudi national had been kidnapped in Lebanon in circumstances that remained unclear.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia had urged all its citizens in Lebanon this week to leave the country but Interior Minister Nohad Machnouk told AFP that the kidnapping was &quot;in no way related&quot; to the Hariri crisis or politics.

Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri had announced his resignation on November 4 from Riyadh

Lebanon`s powerful Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah on Friday accused Saudi Arabia of detaining prime minister Saad Hariri and of asking the Shiite movement`s arch-foe Israel to launch strikes. Hariri`s sudden resignation on November 4 in a statement made from Riyadh took the Lebanese political class by surprise and has sparked international concern. The United States warned against using the tiny country as a "venue for proxy conflicts" and the United Nations said it was "essential no new conflict erupt in the region". France called for Hariri to have "all his freedom of movement" amid rumours he was being held against his will. "The head of the Lebanese government is detained in Saudi Arabia, he is banned from returning to Lebanon until now," Nasrallah said in a televised address. Hariri`s situation was not completely clear but calls, including from his Lebanese political rivals, mounted for Saudi Arabia to guarantee the premier`s freedom of movement. The 47-year-old announced his resignation on November 4 in a surprise move that coincided with a sweeping purge of the Saudi kingdom`s elite, ostensibly over embezzlement accusations. Hariri, who also holds Saudi nationality, did not say when he would return to Lebanon, where President Michel Aoun has yet to formally accept his resignation. In a statement issued on Friday after a meeting with a senior Saudi diplomat, Aoun insisted Hariri should return to Lebanon."President Aoun met Saudi charge d`affaires Walid Bukhari and informed him that the circumstances in which Mr. Hariri`s resignation took place were unacceptable," the statement said. The president "called for the return to Lebanon of the head of the government". Aoun, whose political ally Hezbollah is a fierce critic of Riyadh, "voiced his concern over what is being said" about Hariri`s current status in Saudi Arabia and demanded a "clarification". US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Friday described Hariri as "a strong partner" and warned against "any party, within or outside Lebanon, using Lebanon as a venue for proxy conflicts or in any manner contributing to instability in that country". "The United States strongly supports the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Lebanon and of its political institutions" and opposes "any actions that could threaten that stability," he said. French President Emmanuel Macron, whose country has close ties with both Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, made a surprise visit to Riyadh late Thursday after a trip to the United Arab Emirates. On Friday, a spokesman for France`s foreign ministry said: "We wish Mr. Saad Hariri to have all his freedom of movement and to be fully able to play the essential role that is his in Lebanon." Earlier French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on French radio he thought Hariri was "free to move around", despite most of the Lebanese political class implying he was de facto under house arrest. "He went to Abu Dhabi the day before President Macron`s visit (on Wednesday) so we think he`s free to move around," Le Drian said. Nasrallah, whose party is the only organisation that did not disarm after the 1975-1990 civil war and now has an arsenal that outstrips Lebanon`s own armed forces, accused Saudi Arabia of seeking to incite conflict. "The most dangerous thing is inciting Israel to strike Lebanon," he said. "I`m talking about information that Saudi Arabia has asked Israel to strike Lebanon." Nasrallah, whose movement Hariri has repeatedly said should lay down its arms, also warned that his movement, which fought a devastating war with Israel in 2006, was stronger than ever. "We are stronger today, we warn them again misguided calculations, against any knee-jerk initiative," he said, adding however that his party saw any Israeli attack as being unlikely at this stage. The UN chief, Antonio Guterres, also said: "It is essential that no new conflict erupts in the region." "We are indeed very worried and we hope that we won`t see an escalation in the region that would have tragic consequences," he said. Lebanon`s interior ministry said in a statement Friday that a Saudi national had been kidnapped in Lebanon in circumstances that remained unclear. Saudi Arabia had urged all its citizens in Lebanon this week to leave the country but Interior Minister Nohad Machnouk told AFP that the kidnapping was "in no way related" to the Hariri crisis or politics.

Saudi Arabia holding Lebanon PM, inciting Israel to strike country: Hezbollah

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