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In the world of football, Karim Benzema has filed a defamation suit against the French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin for stating that he has links with the Muslim Brotherhood. Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal has been announced as an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation.
Read below to learn details about these top stories and other happenings in the sporting world in the last 24 hours.
Football
Karim Benzema files defamation lawsuit against French Interior Minister
The French footballing star Karim Benzema has filed a defamation lawsuit against Gerald Darmanin, the Interior Minister of France's government, following his accusation last October against the player of having links with the Muslim Brotherhood. Karim Benzema had posted his support for the people of Gaza as victims again of unjust bombardments which spare neither women nor children," leading to Gerald Darmanin's comments, which the player’s lawyer remarks as undermining the honour and reputation of his client.
Namibia secures major upset win over Tunisia in AFCON
Namibia, the 115-ranked team on the FIFA World Rankings, have caused a major upset in the African Cup of Nations, defeating the former champions Tunisia in a Group E clash. The first win in AFCON history for Namibia in the 10th match of the tournament came from Deon Hotto’s header in the 88th minute, sending shockwaves in the footballing world, while putting themselves in second place in the group following a 2-0 win for Mali against South Africa
Bristol City stun West Ham United to book their spot in FA Cup fourth round
The Championship club Bristol City defeated the 10-men West Ham United by 1-0 in the third-round replay to book their spot in the fourth round of the FA Cup. The winner for Bristol City came from Tommy Conway in the third minute who rounded Lukasz Fabianski before slotting the ball home, following which the red card in the 51st minute for Said Benrahma for kicking out at Joe Williams made their task a bit easier to see out the game.
Jordan Henderson close to joining Ajax from Al-Ittifaq: Reports
The former captain of England and Liverpool, Jordan Henderson is reportedly close to joining Ajax in the Netherlands after playing for around six months for the Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittifaq, managed by his former teammate Steven Gerrard. As per the report from the BBC, the preparations are in swing for the 33-year-old’s arrival in Amsterdam, but no deal between the respective parties has been concluded, following reports stating that he is unhappy to be in the Middle East and wants to make his return to Europe to play football.
Some major results in football are as under:
AFC Asian Cup 2023
Thailand 2-0 Kyrgyzstan
Saudi Arabia 2-1 Oman
AFCON 2023
Burkina Faso 1-0 Mauritania
Tunisia 0-1 Namibia
Mali 2-0 South Africa
FA Cup 2023-24
Wolves 3-2 Brentford
Bolton 1-2 Luton Town
Bristol City 1-0 West Ham United
Copa del Rey 2023-24
Getafe 1-3 Sevilla
Athletic Bilbao 2-0 Alaves
Serie A 2023-24
Juventus 3-0 Sassuolo
Hertha Berlin president Kay Bernstein passes away at 43
Hertha Berlin president Kay Bernstein has died at the age of 43. Bernstein was a longtime ultra-supporter and became the first ultra-fan in Bundesliga clubs to win a presidential election win. The club released a statement stating, "Hertha BSC are mourning the death of Kay Bernstein. The club received the terrible news on Tuesday that president Kay Bernstein has passed away unexpectedly aged 43. The whole club, its governing bodies and staff members are shocked and deeply saddened by the news. The whole Hertha family is mourning the passing of Kay and are thinking of his family and friends."
Tennis
Nadal named ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation
Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal has been announced as an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation. He had hoped to return to Grand Slam action at Melbourne Park after missing the majority of 2023 due to injury. Under this new role, Nadal will be front and centre in promoting tennis in Saudi Arabia and plans for a Rafa Nadal Academy there.
Gregory Alldritt to lead France in Six Nations Championship
Number eight Gregory Alldritt will replace Antoine Dupont as captain of France in the Six Nations Championship. Dupont will miss the tournament to focus on the French Sevens side ahead of the Paris Olympic Games later this year. Coach Fabien Galthie announced six uncapped players as France enters a new World Cup cycle after losing to eventual champions South Africa in the quarter-finals in 2023.
Mexico pulls out of race to host the 2036 Olympic Games
Mexico pulled out of the race to host the 2036 Olympic Games. The president of the National Olympic Committee (COM) confirmed the development citing the "tough competition". Marcelo Ebrard and the COM announced in Oct. 2022 Mexico's intention to host the Olympics in 2023. Mexico previously hosted the Summer Games in 1968. South Korea, India, Egypt and Qatar are set to be part of the race to bid for the 2036 Games.
Formula One
McLaren unveils livery for upcoming 2024 F1 season
McLaren became the first Formula 1 team to unveil their livery for the upcoming 2024 season. It features more papaya, the staple of the colour scheme since 2018 in referring to their early cars, compared to last year’s livery. The car also features anthracite as the other dominant colour – along with hints of chrome.
