Jhon Duran heads to Saudi to join Ronaldo, Benrahma loaned to Neom
February 3 – Colombia and Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran has departed the English Premier League for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr in a reported £64 million deal.
Asian Cup 2023
Neymar back at Al-Hilal and in line for return to Asian Champions League action next week
October 15 – After a year on the sidelines, one of the Saudi Pro League superstar players could finally be back on the pitch. Brazilian international, Neymar, who has been out injured since sustaining a torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee while on international duty has returned to training with Al-Hilal.
China jails two more former football officials for 11 years for corruption
August 19 – China has jailed yet another leading official for bribery as the crackdown into football corruption shows no sign of abating.
Asian Cup 2023 smashes records across the board for Qatar edition
March 13 – The 2023 Asian Cup in Qatar that was played January 12 to February 11 this year broke just about every AFC record in the book, from attendances to broadcast coverage.
AFC Asian Cup hits close to 8bn digital impressions
March 12 – The 2023 Asian Cup in Qatar, played in Jan-Feb this year, generated nearly eight billion digital impressions across all of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s digital channels.
Korean bust-up fingers Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in team dispute
February 14 – Son Heung-Min reportedly injured his finger in a South Korean bust-up at the recent Asian Cup in Qatar where the Taegeuk Warriors crashed out in the last four against tournament revelation Jordan.
Afif’s penalty hattrick drives Qatar to 3-1 win over battling Jordan and retention of Asian Cup title
By Paul Nicholson in Lusail Stadium
February 10 – Qatar retained their Asian Cup title with an Akram Afif hattrick of penalties in front of 86,465 mainly Qatari fans in the Lusail Stadium.
Brotherly love kissed goodbye as Qatar and Jordan line-up for Asian Cup final
February 9 – Qatar coach Marquez Lopez wants his team to cast Arab affinity to one side for 90 minutes as the defending champions and tournament hosts look to see off the Asian Cup’s surprise package Jordan on Saturday to retain the continental title.
Iran left dumbstruck as brilliant Afif steers Qatar into Asian Cup final
By Paul Nicholson in Doha
February 7 – Qatar overcame Iran 3-2 at the Al Thumama stadium in Doha in another pulsating semi-final in an Asian Cup that has provided drama after drama.
Ready to rock, Arabian style. Qatar and Iran take centrestage at Al Thumama
February 2 – After a big night of passion and a giant killing result that saw Jordan overcome South Korea to take their place in the Asian Cup final this weekend, it is the turn of hosts Qatar and Iran to battle for the right to play them.
Jordan stun South Korea on a pulsating Asian Cup night of giant killing
February 6 – On an astonishing night of giant killing Jordan knocked out South Korea 2-0 in the Asian Cup to secure a place in the final this weekend.
Asian Cup semi-finals: Jordan look to upset late-running Koreans
February 6 – The semi-finals of the Asian Cup kick off today with Jordan playing South Korea in the Ahmad bin Ali stadium in Doha. Tomorrow Qatar play Iran.
Iran’s Ghalenoei hits back at media critics after Japan win
February 5 – Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei has denounced sections of the country’s media for having previously criticised the team after guiding them to the semi-finals of the Asian Cup.
Qatar keep Asian Cup dream alive with penalty shoot-out win over Uzbekistan
February 3 – In a tight match that was all square at 1-1 after extra time, Qatar beat Uzbekistan 3-2 in the penalty shoot out to keep their dream of retaining the Asian Cup title they won in 2019 alive.
Iran score from the penalty spot in added time to end Japan’s push for 5th title
February 3 – Another goal in added time in this tournament of late match winners, saw Iran overcome Japan in what was very much a game of two halves and grew into a pulsating quarter final.