MILAN: The Olympic Village in Milan officially opened its doors on Friday, one week before the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Games.
“Italy was the first to move in, followed by large delegations from Germany, the Czech Republic, and Japan,” the organizing committee announced in a statement.
“Further arrivals are expected this evening (Friday), including delegations from the Netherlands and Australia,” added Milano-Cortina 2026.
While the opening ceremony takes place on February 6, the competitions start as early as February 4, notably with curling at Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Dolomites.
The Olympic Village in Milan is designed to house 1,700 athletes and support staff, as Italy’s economic capital hosts most of the ice sports, including figure skating and ice hockey.
Built by a private developer, it will be converted into student residences after the Paralympic Games from March 6-15.
Another Olympic Village, this one temporary and consisting of 377 mobile homes, has been built in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the venue for the women’s alpine skiing and curling events, as well as bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton.
The 2026 Olympics, the third Winter Games organized by Italy, is spread over northern Italy as organizers favored existing sports facilities and sites accustomed to hosting major events such as Anterselva for biathlon, Bormio and Cortina for alpine skiing and Val di Fiemme for Nordic skiing.
First competitors settle into Milan’s Olympic village
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First competitors settle into Milan’s Olympic village
- Italy was the first to move in, followed by large delegations from Germany, the Czech Republic, and Japan
- The Olympic Village in Milan is designed to house 1,700 athletes
Saudi Pro League warns Al-Nassr’s Ronaldo no player is bigger than club
- Ronaldo did not take part in the club’s SPL win at Al-Riyadh on Monday and is now set to miss Friday night’s clash against Al-Ittihad
RIYADH: The Saudi Pro League has warned Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo that “no individual – however significant – determines decisions beyond their own club” amid doubts over his future at Al–Nassr.
Ronaldo, reportedly unhappy at the club’s lack of transfer activity, did not take part in the club’s Saud Pro League win at Al-Riyadh on Monday and is now set to miss Friday night’s clash against Al-Ittihad.
In a statement issued to BBC Sport, a Saudi Pro League spokesperson said: “The Saudi Pro League is structured around a simple principle: every club operates independently under the same rules.
“Clubs have their own boards, their own executives and their own football leadership. Decisions on recruitment, spending and strategy sit with those clubs, within a financial framework designed to ensure sustainability and competitive balance. That framework applies equally across the league.”
The 40-year Ronaldo missed Al-Nassr’s match against Al-Riyadh on Monday amid reports he is on strike over the club’s lack of transfer activity.
Portuguese media outlet A Bola reported that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was unhappy that Al-Nassr, which is backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, has not strengthened its squad as it challenges for the league title.
“Cristiano has been fully engaged with Al–Nassr since his arrival and has played an important role in the club’s growth and ambition,” the Saudi Pro League spokesperson said.
“Like any elite competitor, he wants to win.
“But no individual – however significant – determines decisions beyond their own club.
“Recent transfer activity demonstrates that independence clearly. One club strengthened in a particular way. Another chose a different approach. Those were club decisions, taken within approved financial parameters.”
The Saudi Pro League spokesperson added: “The competitiveness of the league speaks for itself. With only a few points separating the top four, the title race is very much alive. That level of balance reflects a system that is working as intended.
“The focus remains on football – on the pitch, where it belongs – and on maintaining a credible, competitive competition for players and fans.”
