Suspended outgoing FIFA president Sepp Blatter claims an agreement was in place for Russia to take the 2018 World Cup - before there was even a vote. He’s spoken to the Russian news agency, saying the 2022 tournament was lined up to go to the USA but went to Qatar instead after UEFA boss Michel Platini changed his backing. Blatter hasn’t revealed who an agreement had been made with. It's seen as a controversial statement, as many countries spent millions of dollars on campaigns.
Mexico bounce Czechs out of World Cup with win
Mexico have continued their perfect start to the World Cup with a 3-0 romp against the Czech Republic on Wednesday, finishing their group-stage campaign with a flourish and killing off their tame opponents' hopes of making the knockouts.
South Africa beat South Korea to reach World Cup knockout stage for first time
South Africa have reached the knockout phase at a World Cup for the first time on Wednesday when Thapelo Maseko's second-half strike gave them a 1-0 win against South Korea, who can still qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
Qatar’s Assim Madibo gets 5-game ban for injuring Canada's Ismael Kone
Assim Madibo has received a five-game suspension from FIFA's Disciplinary Committee on Wednesday, following the Qatar midfielder's tackle that injured Canada midfielder Ismael Kone.
Morocco earn comeback win over Haiti to reach last 32
Morocco have confirmed their progress to the World Cup last 32 but twice had to come from behind to get the better of plucky Haiti with a 4-2 win in an action-packed game on Wednesday, and fell short of topping Brazil in the Group C standings.
Brazil heads into World Cup knockouts with win over Scotland
Brazil has moved up to the World Cup knockout stages with a commanding 3-0 win over Scotland on Wednesday, as Vinicius Jr netted twice and Neymar made his first appearance in a Brazil shirt in nearly three years.
The UAE has expanded its visa on arrival scheme to nationals of Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Kenya, and South Africa.
The UAE has expressed its solidarity with Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes wreaked havoc in and around the capital Caracas, trapping several people beneath the rubble of collapsed buildings and setting off powerful aftershocks.
Dubai government employees will once again benefit from flexible working arrangements this summer, as the 2026 edition of the 'Our Flexible Summer' initiative comes into effect from June 29 to September 10.
