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The Star
16 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Soccer-From fallen giants to giant-killers: Botafogo's remarkable revival
Soccer Football - FIFA Club World Cup - Group B - Paris St Germain v Botafogo - Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, California, U.S. - June 19, 2025 Botafogo players celebrate after the match IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Kirby Lee (Reuters) -Once Brazilian football royalty, Botafogo had languished for decades as a debt-ridden sleeping giant before they toppled Paris St Germain at the Club World Cup to cap a resurrection tale three years in the making. When American entrepreneur John Textor acquired the club in 2022, fresh from their promotion back to Brazil's first division, he took on a training ground so decrepit that then-coach Luis Castro dismissed it as "good for parking cars," alongside crushing liabilities exceeding one billion reais ($181.39 million). Botafogo were a storied but shattered institution. The club that once nurtured Brazilian greats - Garrincha, Zagallo, Jairzinho and Nilton Santos, architects of three World Cup triumphs - was drowning in debt, having endured the humiliation of relegation three times in just over a decade. On Thursday, they outplayed European champions Paris St Germain to win 1-0 in the Club World Cup's most eye-catching upset, propelling themselves to the top of the tournament's "group of death" and on the verge of the knockout stage. Their squad, assembled through shrewd bargain-hunting in football's forgotten corners, now faces Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid in Los Angeles on Monday, sitting comfortably, knowing even a two-goal defeat would still secure their passage to the round of 16. The victory over PSG vindicated Textor's vision, outlined in a Reuters interview three years prior, of "beating the system" through astute scouting in under-explored talent pools. The architects of Thursday's victory exemplified this approach. Match-winner Igor Jesus arrived as a free agent after three anonymous years in the UAE and was transformed into a Brazil international. Argentine defender Alexander Barboza, who neutralised PSG's vaunted attack, was plucked from Paraguay's Club Libertad for nothing. Captain Marlon Freitas came from second-division Atletico Goianiense, while experienced European campaigners Alex Telles and Allan were revitalised after spells in Middle Eastern leagues. Gregore, Jefferson Savarino, John and Cuiabano were all signed for under two million euros ($2.30 million) each. "The goal is to be sustainably competitive every year," Botafogo CEO Thairo Arruda told Reuters. "With a top six payroll, we produce like a top three." The transformation extends far beyond the pitch. Revenues have soared from 140 million reais in 2022 to projected earnings exceeding 1.1 billion by 2025, while liabilities have been slashed by 40%. Textor's Eagle Football empire also encompasses stakes in Ligue 1's Olympique Lyonnais and Premier League Crystal Palace. Botafogo's renaissance - crowned by last year's domestic and continental double - has breathed new life into a club motto once heavy with self-pity: "There are things that only happen to Botafogo." After outclassing Europe's elite, those words now carry an altogether sweeter resonance. ($1 = 5.5129 reais) ($1 = 0.8702 euros) (Reporting by Fernando KallasEditing by Toby Davis)
Straits Times
16 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
From fallen giants to giant-killers: Botafogo's remarkable revival
Soccer Football - FIFA Club World Cup - Group B - Paris St Germain v Botafogo - Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, California, U.S. - June 19, 2025 Botafogo players celebrate after the match IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Kirby Lee REUTERS Once Brazilian football royalty, Botafogo had languished for decades as a debt-ridden sleeping giant before they toppled Paris St Germain at the Club World Cup to cap a resurrection tale three years in the making. When American entrepreneur John Textor acquired the club in 2022, fresh from their promotion back to Brazil's first division, he took on a training ground so decrepit that then-coach Luis Castro dismissed it as "good for parking cars," alongside crushing liabilities exceeding one billion reais ($181.39 million). Botafogo were a storied but shattered institution. The club that once nurtured Brazilian greats - Garrincha, Zagallo, Jairzinho and Nilton Santos, architects of three World Cup triumphs - was drowning in debt, having endured the humiliation of relegation three times in just over a decade. On Thursday, they outplayed European champions Paris St Germain to win 1-0 in the Club World Cup's most eye-catching upset, propelling themselves to the top of the tournament's "group of death" and on the verge of the knockout stage. Their squad, assembled through shrewd bargain-hunting in football's forgotten corners, now faces Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid in Los Angeles on Monday, sitting comfortably, knowing even a two-goal defeat would still secure their passage to the round of 16. The victory over PSG vindicated Textor's vision, outlined in a Reuters interview three years prior, of "beating the system" through astute scouting in under-explored talent pools. The architects of Thursday's victory exemplified this approach. Match-winner Igor Jesus arrived as a free agent after three anonymous years in the UAE and was transformed into a Brazil international. Argentine defender Alexander Barboza, who neutralised PSG's vaunted attack, was plucked from Paraguay's Club Libertad for nothing. Captain Marlon Freitas came from second-division Atletico Goianiense, while experienced European campaigners Alex Telles and Allan were revitalised after spells in Middle Eastern leagues. Gregore, Jefferson Savarino, John and Cuiabano were all signed for under two million euros ($2.30 million) each. "The goal is to be sustainably competitive every year," Botafogo CEO Thairo Arruda told Reuters. "With a top six payroll, we produce like a top three." The transformation extends far beyond the pitch. Revenues have soared from 140 million reais in 2022 to projected earnings exceeding 1.1 billion by 2025, while liabilities have been slashed by 40%. Textor's Eagle Football empire also encompasses stakes in Ligue 1's Olympique Lyonnais and Premier League Crystal Palace. Botafogo's renaissance - crowned by last year's domestic and continental double - has breathed new life into a club motto once heavy with self-pity: "There are things that only happen to Botafogo." After outclassing Europe's elite, those words now carry an altogether sweeter resonance. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Climate
- Newsweek
Warning Issued to Parents in Three States
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued extreme heat warnings in Arizona and Nevada, prompting health officials to alert parents of the heightened risk of heat-related illnesses among children. While the heat in the two western states is particularly high, a number of other states have heat advisories in place, and parents were warned about the welfare of their children in Texas as well. Why It Matters The NWS warned that the "dangerously hot conditions" will put most individuals at risk of developing "heat-related illnesses without effective cooling or adequate hydration, especially with prolonged outdoor exposure." The agency also warned parents about the welfare of young children and pets, telling them not to leave either in an unattended vehicle, as car interiors "will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes." What To Know Arizona remains under the most extensive and prolonged warnings. From the Grand Canyon to Phoenix and Tucson, temperatures are forecast to soar above 110 degrees Fahrenheit, with some locations such as the Phoenix metro area expected to reach highs of 116. These extreme conditions are expected to persist through at least Friday. According to the NWS Phoenix office: "Overexposure can cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion to develop and, without intervention, can lead to heat stroke." In Maricopa County, the NWS urged residents to call 211 for information on local cooling centers, transportation, and access to water. Public cooling shelters are being made available throughout the region. Similarly high temperatures are expected in Nevada, between 110 and115 degrees, until Thursday evening. The warning is in place for much of the state, including Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Lake Havasu and Fort Mohave, Northwest Deserts, Death Valley National Park, Western Mojave Desert, Eastern Mojave Desert, San Bernardino County, Upper Colorado River Valley, Western Clark and Southern Nye County, and Las Vegas Valley. Elsewhere, heat advisories are in place for Utah, New Jersey, Texas, New Mexico and California, with "moderate" risks of heat-related illness. Most of the advisories in these states are currently in place until Wednesday evening, except for New Jersey and Utah, which could see high temperatures until Thursday. In Texas, parents were also told "do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles for even a moment. Car interiors will very quickly reach lethal temperatures." A file photo shows a weather heat advisory on a message board. A file photo shows a weather heat advisory on a message board. Kirby Lee/AP What People Are Saying The NWS said: "Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room as much as possible, and stay out of the sun. Check in with relatives and neighbors. Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes. Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke." It added: "To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 911." What Happens Next The worst of the heat is expected to be over by the weekend, but people are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rays on track for Tropicana Field return in 2026 as St. Petersburg approves $22.5 million for new roof
Rays on track for Tropicana Field return in 2026 as St. Petersburg approves $22.5 million for new roof St. Petersburg is poised to spend more than $50 million so the Rays can play at Tropicana Field for three more seasons. (Photo by) (Kirby Lee via Getty Images) The Tampa Bay Rays are officially on track to have a home again in St. Petersburg. The bigger question remains how long they will stay. The St. Petersburg city council voted 7-1 on Thursday to approve $22.5 million for a new Tropicana Field roof after Hurricane Milton shredded the last one, according to the Tampa Bay Times. The new roof will reportedly be made of the same teflon-coated fiberglass of the old roof. Advertisement That step covers roughly half of the estimated $55.7 million the stadium needs for its full repairs, with additional work required inside the stadium. The city of St. Petersburg was contractually obligated to repair Tropicana Field as part of its landlord agreement with the Rays, who have been open with their intentions to leave the stadium as soon as it finds a new home. The team pulled out of a $1.3 billion agreement to build a new stadium in St. Petersburg last month and have been speculated to be ready to move to a new city, with Orlando as a possibility. In the meantime, the Rays have begun playing the 2025 season at Steinbrenner Field, the spring training home of the New York Yankees and the stadium used by the Yankees' Single-A affiliate Tampa Tarpons. The Rays are currently expected to return to Tropicana Field next season and remain there through 2024. The St. Petersburg city council didn't sound particularly enthusiastic about spending eight figures to repair a stadium for three more years of use, but on member indicated they didn't really have a choice, via the Times: 'I'd much rather be spending that money on hurricane recovery and helping residents in our most affected neighborhoods,' said council member Brandi Gabbard, 'but this is our obligation.' Advertisement The lone "No" vote on the council, Richie Floyd, said he would have liked to see how expensive a settlement with the Rays would have been compared to the expense of repairing the stadium. For the Rays' part, team president Brian Auld said the team is happy with the vote and planning for a return on Opening Day of 2026: 'We are pleased to see City Council take this important step toward preparing Tropicana Field for Major League Baseball in time for 2026 Opening Day,' Auld said in a statement Thursday. 'We commend in particular City, Rays, and MLB staff for their cooperative efforts to get us to this point.' Some groups that aren't happy with the situation, beyond the city council, are the Rays' fans, who chanted "sell the team" at Opening Day, and the MLB commissioner's office, which is reportedly sending a similar message behind closed doors to team owner Stuart Sternberg.
USA Today
02-04-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
The ultimate guide to Las Vegas sports and sports venues
Advertisement Allegiant Stadium, often called The Death Star, is the home of the Las Vegas Raiders – Photo courtesy of Kirby Lee / Imagn Images Advertisement Las Vegas sports venues If you want to attend some of the big sporting events coming up in Las Vegas, here's a guide to where it's all happening. Allegiant Stadium The Las Vegas Raiders play all home games at Allegiant Stadium – Photo courtesy of Allegiant Stadium With a capacity of 65,000, Allegiant Stadium's futuristic design and shiny black exterior have earned it the nickname The Death Star. The venue is best known as the home field for the Raiders, but you'll also catch the UNLV Rebels scoring touchdowns during football season. Special events at Allegiant Stadium include the Pac-12 college championship and the Las Vegas Bowl. T-Mobile Arena The Vegas Golden Knights call T-Mobile Arena home – Photo courtesy of Vegas Golden Knights Advertisement Thomas & Mack Center The Thomas & Mack Center is a magnet for basketball fans – Photo courtesy of Kevin Lytle / The Coloradoan / USA TODAY NETWORK If you spy a sea of cowboy hats moseying down the Strip, they might be in town for the National Finals Rodeo. Every December, the 10-day event brings more than 160,000 spectators to the Thomas & Mack Center at UNLV. Tickets to this venue also are sought after by basketball fans who fill the stands to cheer for NBA exhibition games, the NBA Summer League, and Runnin' Rebels college basketball. Grand Prix Plaza Grand Prix Plaza is where the Las Vegas Grand Prix begins and ends – Photo courtesy of Las Vegas Grand Prix Grand Prix Plaza is the start and finish line for the Formula 1 Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix. Still, the engines roar past iconic landmarks like Caesars Palace and the Bellagio fountains as drivers turn 17 corners and complete 50 thrilling laps around the 3.8-mile track. The Las Vegas F1 GP is a citywide event with live music, driver appearances, and special packages from resorts, restaurants, and casinos. Las Vegas Ballpark Enjoy America's favorite pastime at Las Vegas Ballpark – Photo courtesy of Stephen R. Sylvanie / Imagn Images Located a few miles away in downtown Summerlin, Las Vegas Ballpark is home to the minor league baseball team, the Las Vegas Aviators. The 10,000-person stadium is a family favorite, with tickets and concessions sold for a fraction of what they go for at major Las Vegas sports events. If that weren't enough, baseball fans have another reason to celebrate: The Athletics are building a new ballpark and plan to relocate the franchise to Las Vegas in 2028. Michelob Ultra Arena UFC and boxing are big draws at the Michelob Ultra Arena when the Aces aren't playing – Photo courtesy of Joe Camporeale / Imagn Images Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino is home to Michelob Ultra Arena, lovingly called 'The House' by fans of one of the WNBA's original franchises, the Las Vegas Aces. When the Aces aren't pressing the court, other ticketed events at the 12,000-seat arena have included professional lacrosse, Esports, and combat sports like boxing and UFC. The best sportsbooks in Las Vegas TVs line the swank sportsbook at The Cosmopolitan – Photo courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook & Lounge at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas If you've got a hunch about your favorite team, you don't have to go far to place a bet in Las Vegas. Sportsbooks within casinos are dedicated areas that resemble traditional sports bars but with much bigger screens and the ability to participate in legal gambling. On a given day, you can place a bet on anything from horse races to the Olympics. Advertisement BetMGM Sportsbook & Lounge This top sportsbook inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is mere steps away from the excitement of the Strip. The BetMGM Sportsbook & Lounge features comfy leather couches where you can order food and drinks while you watch the game. Book Now When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission. Circa Resort & Casino Known as the largest sportsbook in town, you'll find three stories of seats and screens at Circa Resort & Casino on Fremont Street. It's a popular spot, so you'll want to score reservations for big sporting events. Stadium Swim features massive screens around the pool so you can catch all the action sitting in your lounger. Book Now When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission. The Tavern at Fontainebleau Las Vegas Walking into The Tavern at Fontainebleau Las Vegas feels more like a sports-themed bar and restaurant than a sportsbook. While you can eat and watch a game at tables and the bar, a more traditional sportsbook experience is inside, where movie-style recliners face a wall of screens. Book Now When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission. Wynn Race & Sports Book Everything about Wynn Las Vegas is high-end, including the Race & Sports Book, which features an almost 1,600-square-foot wraparound LED video screen centering the room. For the highest of rollers, check out the reservation-only VIP section with couches and dedicated tableside servers. Book Now When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission.
