LONDON: Liverpool have sought assurances from Qatar that Mohamed Salah’s appearance at the Club World Cup tournament in the country will not be used for “propaganda purposes.”
The Premier League club feared Qatar would use Salah’s selection for the Merseyside club would be utilized by the regime in Doha, following Egypt and Gulf allies cutting off diplomatic relations with Qatar in 2017.
Liverpool’s concerns were lessened after being told that Mohamed Salah would be “treated in the exact same way” as his teammates.
As Champions League winners, Liverpool will play against other continental champion clubs in December to be crowned club champions of the world.
It is not the first time the Egyptian superstar has been embroiled in a political storm.
In September, Salah clashed with Egyptian FA after it was revealed the organization had not voted in the FIFA Best awards. It followed another saga involving the country’s authorities and Salah over his image rights.
Egyptian media are describing the latest dispute between Salah and his country’s FA as a “crisis,” with many in the country fearful of the talisman severing all ties and refusing to play for Egypt in the future.
Liverpool demand Mohamed Salah not used by Qatar for propaganda purposes at FIFA CWC
Liverpool demand Mohamed Salah not used by Qatar for propaganda purposes at FIFA CWC
- Egyptian media describing latest dispute between Salah and country’s FA as “crisis”
- Not first time Egyptian superstar has been embroiled in political storm
San Francisco 49ers launch Nextgen Flag Football program in UAE
DUBAI: The San Francisco 49ers launched on Monday their NextGen Flag Football program to introduce the game into school curricula in the UAE.
The US team are collaborating with GEMS Education, the largest network of schools in the country, serving 125,000 students. The program was rolled out to select GEMS schools earlier this year, with plans for more to join in January 2026.
The program will equip participating schools with gear, curriculum resources, and coaching support, to help teachers integrate flag football into their physical education lessons, the team stated in a press release.
The team added: “At the end of each season, the program will culminate in a flag football tournament, bringing together participating schools to compete and demonstrate the skills developed in their classes.”
The launch follows several 49ers flag football clinics at GEMS schools earlier this year, including the first event of its kind hosted by an NFL team in the UAE at GEMS World Academy Senior School.
During these events, 49ers representatives trained more than 24 physical education teachers in the fundamentals of coaching flag football, before leading hands-on sessions with students.
Participants took part in NFL-style practice drills, played introductory flag tag games. There was a special appearance from the 49ers’ mascot, Sourdough Sam, who attended to cheer on the students.
Justin Prettyman, executive director of the 49ers Foundation, stated: “We’re thrilled to launch NextGen Flag Football and to work with GEMS going forward.
“By introducing students to the fundamentals of flag football, we’re not just teaching a game; we’re helping them develop teamwork, confidence, and leadership skills that will last a lifetime.”
Jay Varkey, deputy CEO, GEMS Education, stated that they are committed to providing students “with a truly holistic education that nurtures not only academic excellence but also character, teamwork, and resilience.
“Our collaboration with the San Francisco 49ers reflects this vision, bringing world-class sporting expertise into our schools through the NextGen Flag Football program.
The launch of NextGen Flag Football in the UAE reflects the 49ers expanding international footprint under the NFL’s Global Markets Program.
In March, the team was awarded activation rights in the UAE, building on its program in the UK and Mexico, where local fanbases have grown by more than 50 percent, the team stated.
Since 2021, the 49ers have hosted over 50 community events across those regions.
