JEDDAH: Spanish football league La Liga on Saturday launched an Arabic account on TikTok in a bid to connect with millions of football fans in the Arab world.
It is part of the league’s efforts to reach and engage with its followers in the Middle East and North Africa region, a media statement said.
“We are thrilled to launch the Arabic TikTok account, as it represents the culmination of all the efforts La Liga has made in the MENA region over the past years,” said Maite Ventura, managing director for MENA.
“We believe that Arab fans deserve high-quality digital content that meets their expectations. This account will bring us closer to them than ever before,” she added.
The initiative marks another step in La Liga’s digital success, as it remains the most-followed football league in the world online, boasting more than 245 million followers across 16 platforms in 20 different languages.
Mohammed Harb, head of partnerships at TikTok MENA, said: “We are delighted to be part of this special step for La Liga.
“Launching a TikTok account in Arabic reinforces the league’s commitment to bringing fans closer to the game they love, providing the TikTok community with a platform that reflects the unique culture and passion of Arab football fans.”
The La Liga Arabic TikTok account will be a hub for all the thrilling highlights from La Liga EA Sports matches, coinciding with the intense competition in the league.
Arab football stars will also receive special attention, as La Liga has hosted more than 80 Arab players throughout its history, from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar and Syria.
Beyond match highlights, the account will offer a diverse range of visual content, featuring contributions from influencers, players, journalists and fans across the Arab world.
La Liga launches Arabic TikTok account to connect with millions of Arab football fans
https://arab.news/ypwet
La Liga launches Arabic TikTok account to connect with millions of Arab football fans
- ‘It represents the culmination of all the efforts La Liga has made in the MENA region over the past years,’ says managing director
- Account will act as a hub for thrilling highlights from La Liga EA Sports matches
Mohammed Ben Sulayem re-elected unopposed in contentious FIA election
- Two would-be candidates, Swiss national Laura Villars and American former FIA steward Tim Mayer, were denied the chance to run
- A Paris court last week decided not to suspend the election but ordered a trial to examine the electoral process
PARIS: Mohammed Ben Sulayem was re-elected as president of motorsport’s governing body the International Automobile Federation (FIA) on Friday in an election in which he faced no challengers.
The Dubai-born 64-year-old was the only candidate in the vote held in Tashkent in an election that has been contested in the courts.
Two would-be candidates, Swiss national Laura Villars and American former FIA steward Tim Mayer, were denied the chance to run against Ben Sulayem due to FIA rules.
Under the Paris-based FIA election regulations, candidates are required to appoint vice presidents from each of the six global regions, chosen from a list approved by the Paris-based FIA.
But there is only one vice president listed from South America, Brazilian Fabiana Ecclestone — the wife of ex-Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone — and she gave her backing to Ben Sulayem.
A Paris court last week decided not to suspend the election but ordered a trial to examine the electoral process after hearing an urgent application from Villars, a 28-year-old Swiss driver.
“The judge hearing the summary proceedings ruled that this dispute was a matter for the trial court, and we will therefore continue this lawsuit against the FIA before the trial judges. A first hearing is scheduled for February 16, 2026,” Villars’ lawyer Robin Binsard said in a statement last week.
The lawyer said that “given the challenges raised, (the election result) may be examined, questioned or annulled by the court.”
As a result Ben Sulayem, who succeeded Jean Todt at the head of the FIA in 2021, was confirmed in the post — subject to the upcoming court verdict.
“Thank you to all our FIA Members for voting in remarkable numbers and placing your trust in me once again. We have overcome many obstacles but here today, together, we are stronger than ever,” Ben Sulayem said in a statement.
‘Cleaning the house’
The FIA said in a statement that Friday’s election was “conducted in line with the FIA’s statutes through a robust and transparent voting process, reflecting the democratic foundations of the federation and the collective voice of its global membership.”
The FIA is responsible for organizing the Formula One and rally world championships, as well as promoting road safety. It has more than 240 clubs across 146 countries, representing around 80 million members.
A former rally driver, Ben Sulayem’s time at the helm of motorsport has been dogged by controversy.
He was taken to task by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton for using stereotypical language when discussing the use of foul outbursts by drivers on team radios.
Drivers fell out with the FIA over its crackdown on swearing. The guidelines were strengthened in January, triggering an indignant response from drivers.
Controversial fines were later reduced after a backlash from the grid.
Ben Sulayem defended his record last weekend as he looked toward another four years at the helm of motorsport.
“I would say I am looking forward for the next four years,” he said. “Cleaning the house was not easy, getting the right people in the FIA was a challenge. Now I can tell you, it was worth the four years of investment.
“And if you tell me now ‘OK, if you have the power to rewind the four years, what would you do differently?’. Nothing.”
