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QATAR BLAME SAUDI ARABIA FOR POOR IAAF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS ATTENDANCE
BY DUNCAN MACKAY.
Officials in Qatar have blamed the television schedule and the Saudi Arabia-led blockade for the poor attendances at the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Championships.
The image of the event so far has been the sight of an almost empty Khalifa International Stadium as the world’s top athletes compete in the sport’s flagship event.
The Stadium normally holds 40,000 but that has been reduced to just 17,000 for these Championships, with most of the top tier of the seating covered up.
It is claimed that 11,800 turned up for the opening session on Friday and 11,300 for the following day which featured the men’s 100 metres final.
But most of the crowd, largely made of migrant workers, had left by the time Christian Coleman crossed the finishing line to claim the gold medal in a race that started at 10.15pm.
The situation was even worse for women’s 100m won by Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.
Qatari officials admit that less than 8,000 turned up with the majority departing long before the showpiece race at 11.20pm.
The challenge we face with a competition schedule that is geared to support global TV viewership, is that some finals are not starting until the late evening,” said a statement from Doha 2019.
“This impacts on the number of spectators remaining until the end of the session.
“We know it is a balance and we are pleased global viewers can tune in to watch the live action from Doha.”
Expatriate workers make up 88 per cent of the population in Qatar and many are from countries whose interest is not in the sprints, normally the blue riband event of these Championships.
“The pattern of the attendance so far follows the interests of the local community, with middle and long distance races pulling in the biggest crowds, rather than traditional sprint events, and we would like to thank all the fans that have supported these athletes,” Doha 2019 said.
Doha 2019 claimed it is “confident that our renewed efforts will encourage the local community to come and witness the stunning performance of the world’s best athletes”.
Making it appear even worse is that this event is being held two years after London staged the Championships, when a record 660,000 tickets were sold for the 10-day event.
When they were awarded these Championships in 2014, Qatar had claimed it was confident it would be able to fill the Stadium with supporters flying in from around the Middle East to attend.
Now officials are also blaming the current political situation in the Gulf for the lack of interest in the Championships.
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt are among several countries who have severed diplomatic relations with Qatar and imposed a blockade after they claimed Doha was supporting terrorism.
“Our vision was for a first World Championship in the Middle East,” Doha 2019 said.
“An IAAF World Athletics Championships that would welcome the world and connect to new fans.
“Despite facing unique challenges as hosts, in terms of the political blockade, that ambition remains.
“To date we have witnessed over 80 different nationalities in the Stadium, the vast majority enjoying athletics for the first time.
“The athletes competing at Khalifa International Stadium
and fans attending have all relished the experience.
With the marathon and race walks being held after midnight to avoid the searing Qatar heat and humidity, but athletes still collapsing as the conditions take their toll, it all adds to the impression of an event that is being held in the wrong location.
It is a theory Doha 2019 defends itself against.
“The controlled temperature conditions on the track have been ideal and fitting for world-class performances and will remain so,” organisers said.
“Whether it is understanding athlete performances in endurance events or stadium design, this Championship is benefitting world sport and important progress is being made.”
One person seemingly not bothered by the lack of people in the Stadium last night was Fraser-Pryce, winner of her fourth IAAF World Championships 100m title, 10 years after winning her first in front of a crowd of 40,000.
This time she was just happy her two-year-old son Zyon and husband Jason were there.
“Doha got the right to hold the event,” Fraser-Pryce said.
“You have to give and take.
“There might not have been many people in the Stadium but the two most important people to me were there.”
-insidethegames
Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, has named a 23-man squad for this month’s international friendly matches against the Iran national football team and the Jordan national football team, with star striker Victor Osimhen notably absent from the list.
In Osimhen’s absence, Chelle has retained a strong core led by captain Wilfred Ndidi, alongside midfield playmaker Alex Iwobi and reigning African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman.
Friendlies Moved to Turkey Amid Security Concerns
The Super Eagles will now face Iran on March 27 before taking on Jordan on March 31, with both matches scheduled to be played in Antalya, Turkey.
Originally billed for venues in Amman, including the Amman International Stadium and King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, the fixtures were relocated following the outbreak of military conflict in the Middle East.
Kick-off times are set for 4 pm local time against Iran and 8 pm local time against Jordan.
Key Players Return, New Faces Earn First Call-Ups
Chelle has also recalled several established names, including goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defender Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, and midfielder Frank Onyeka.
In attack, the coach has options in Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams, and Paul Onuachu.
There are also first-time invitations for Scotland-based defender Emmanuel Oluwasegun Fernandez, Germany-based forward Philip Otele, and Belgium-based attacker Collins Yira Sor, a former youth international.
Goalkeeper Adebayo Adeleye also returns to the squad.
Focus on Squad Depth
The friendlies present Chelle with an opportunity to test squad depth and integrate new players ahead of future competitive fixtures.
With Osimhen missing, attention will be on how Nigeria’s attacking unit adapts, particularly with Lookman expected to play a leading role in the forward line.
The matches against Iran and Jordan will provide crucial preparation for the Super Eagles as they continue rebuilding following their disappointment in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign.
23 SUPER EAGLES FOR FRIENDLIES MATCHES AGAINST IRAN & JORDAN
Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)
Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Coventry FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Philip Otele (Hamburger SV, Germany); Collins Yira Sor (KRC Genk, Belgium)
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Morocco’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium Tops Global Vote for Stadium of the Year 2025
Rabat’s iconic Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium has been named Stadium of the Year 2025, emerging as the global winner in the annual fan poll organised by StadiumDB, a platform dedicated to sports architecture and stadium design.
The Moroccan venue topped the international voting with 14,481 points, finishing ahead of Grand Stade de Tanger in second place and Claro Arena in third.
A total of 7,451 valid votes were cast by fans worldwide who evaluated 28 stadiums opened globally in 2025, judging them on architectural design, functionality and overall fan experience.
Morocco’s New National Stadium
Located in the Moroccan capital of Rabat, the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium has become the country’s new national football arena and one of the largest stadiums in North Africa.
The modern facility boasts a capacity of approximately 68,700 spectators and was designed to meet FIFA’s highest stadium standards, positioning it as a potential venue for major international matches, including possible semi-final fixtures of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The stadium represents a major investment in Morocco’s sports infrastructure as the country prepares to co-host the global tournament alongside Spain and Portugal.
From 1983 Landmark to Modern Arena
The site has long been associated with Moroccan football. The original stadium, built in 1983, served as the home ground of AS FAR Rabat and regularly hosted matches involving the Moroccan national team.
The old Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium before demolition in 2023
Over the decades, the venue staged several major tournaments and international fixtures, including the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations, matches of the FIFA Club World Cup, and multiple African club and national team finals.
In preparation for future global competitions, Moroccan authorities decided to completely rebuild the facility. The original structure was demolished in 2023, paving the way for a new state-of-the-art arena constructed in less than two years.
Modern Facilities and Expanded Capacity
The redevelopment project, which cost approximately $75 million, significantly expanded the stadium’s capacity while transforming it into one of Africa’s most technologically advanced football venues.
Key features of the new stadium include High-definition LED video screens, advanced acoustics and sound systems, a hybrid natural-synthetic playing surface, modern hospitality and VIP areas, and enhanced spectator comfort and accessibility
The stadium is also the centrepiece of the wider Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex, which includes a 21,000-seat Olympic athletics stadium, training pitches, an indoor sports arena and an Olympic-size swimming pool.
Shortly after reopening in 2025, the stadium played a central role during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where it hosted several high-profile matches, including the tournament final.
Packed crowds and vibrant atmospheres during the competition showcased Morocco’s rapidly modernising football infrastructure and reinforced the stadium’s reputation as one of the continent’s premier sporting venues.
Winning the Stadium of the Year 2025 award further highlights Morocco’s growing influence in global sports infrastructure as the country continues preparations for hosting major international competitions in the coming years.
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The Supreme Council of Sufi Orders has officially recognised the Akbariyya Hatimiyya Order, marking a significant step in the regulation of Sufi practices and reinforcing what the Council describes as its commitment to a moderate religious approach.
Sheikh Sayyid Ayman Hamdi al-Akbariyya, head of the Akbariyya Hatimiyya Order, met with Dr Abdel-Hadi al-Qasabi, Grand Sheikh of Sufi Orders and President of the Supreme Council, where he presented the official recognition decree.
With the issuance of the decree, the Akbariyya Hatimiyya Order becomes one of the officially recognised Sufi orders in the Arab Republic of Egypt, joining 80 other orders operating under the Council’s umbrella.
According to officials, the recognition follows a period of organisational and administrative work by the Order’s leadership, including compliance with legal requirements and regulatory standards approved by the Council. The move is expected to strengthen the Order’s institutional presence and enhance its religious and spiritual role within Egyptian society.
Rooted in the Legacy of Ibn Arabi
The Akbariyya Hatimiyya Order derives its methodology from the teachings of the renowned Sufi master Ibn Arabi, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Islamic mysticism. The Order has followers in Egypt and across several countries in the Islamic world, with a notable presence in parts of Europe and Asia.
Its teachings emphasise love, spiritual purification, tolerance and deepening the spiritual dimension of Muslim life.
During the meeting, both sides stressed the importance of adhering to the moderate Azharite approach and strengthening the role of Sufi orders in promoting sound religious awareness, ethical values, coexistence and social peace.
The Influence of “The Greatest Sheikh”
Born in 560 AH in Murcia, Andalusia, Ibn Arabi — whose full name was Muhyiddin Muhammad ibn Ali ibn Muhammad ibn Arabi al-Hatimi al-Ta’i al-Andalusi — grew up in a scholarly and spiritual environment. He later travelled extensively across North Africa and the Levant before settling in Damascus, where he died in 638 AH/1240 CE. His shrine in Damascus remains a well-known landmark.
Often referred to as “The Greatest Sheikh,” Ibn Arabi’s school of thought came to be known as the Akbariyya. Among his most celebrated works are Al-Futuhat al-Makkiyya (The Meccan Revelations), Fusus al-Hikam (The Bezels of Wisdom), and Tarjuman al-Ashwaq (The Interpreter of Desires).
His writings are characterised by philosophical depth and a mystical exploration of divine love, spiritual purification and the concept of the “perfect human being.” His influence has shaped Sufi thought across the Islamic world and extended into intellectual circles in Europe and Asia.
The formal recognition of the Akbariyya Hatimiyya Order reflects Egypt’s continued effort to regulate religious institutions while preserving the rich spiritual traditions rooted in centuries of Islamic scholarship and mysticism.
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