Afro-Arab Esports League launches at Gamers8 in Riyadh

The Afro-Arab Esports League launched in Riyadh on Friday. (SEF)
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Updated 19 August 2023
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Afro-Arab Esports League launches at Gamers8 in Riyadh

  • The league features 25 member nations across the African and Arab world
  • Tournaments in eFootball and Valorant will take place during Gamers8 at Boulevard Riyadh City this weekend

RIYADH: The Afro-Arab Esports League launched in Riyadh on Friday featuring 25 member nations across the African and Arab world.

Riyadh will host the initial tournaments of the Afro-Arab Esports League this weekend at Gamers8: The Land of Heroes, the world’s biggest gaming and esports festival. Tournaments in eFootball and Valorant, featuring separate male and female competitions, will take place at the Challenge Zone within Boulevard Riyadh City at Gamers8.

The 25 nations that make up the Afro-Arab Esports League are: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kuwait, the UAE, Tunisia, Senegal, Kenya, Ghana, Morocco, Bahrain, Oman, Cameroon, Mali, Somalia, Libya, Syria, Iraq, Burkina Faso, Jordan, Lebanon, Ivory Coast, Djibouti, South Africa, Namibia, and Nigeria.

Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation and chairman of the Arab Esports Federation, said: “The Afro-Arab Esports League is a testament to the growing importance of esports in both the African and Arab worlds and a key way to create space for cultural exchange and cooperation among the 25 participating countries. Together, we herald a future where unity knows no bounds, where the thrill of competition unites us, and where the passion for gaming brings nations together.”

Egyptian Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Ashraf Sobhi said: “We thank HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan for his support in setting up the Afro-Arab Esports League and the inaugural tournaments here in Riyadh. The importance and development opportunities from gathering African and Arab youths together for competitions can’t be overstated.”


Griezmann not moving to MLS this season, Atletico Madrid sporting director says

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Griezmann not moving to MLS this season, Atletico Madrid sporting director says

  • The 34-year-old former France star had been linked to a transfer to Orlando City
  • “He is going to continue with us and nothing more,” Alemany said

MADRID: Antoine Griezmann is not making an imminent move to Major League Soccer, according to the sporting director of Atletico Madrid.
The 34-year-old former France star had been linked to a transfer to Orlando City.
But Atletico sporting director Mateu Alemany said Saturday that “he has this season and two more years with us. I don’t see any major news.”
“He is going to continue with us and nothing more,” Alemany said before Griezmann got an assist to help beat Real Sociedad 3-2 in La Liga.
Griezmann, 34, is Atletico’s all-time leading scorer. He helped France win the 2018 World Cup before retiring from international soccer in 2024.
He has lost his starring role with Diego Simeone’s side this year with his coach managing his minutes, but even so he has scored 12 goals this campaign in all competitions.
Atletico will play Sociedad in the Copa del Rey final on April 18. Atletico are also third in the Spanish league and will play Tottenham in the Champions League round of 16 next week.