Latest news with #SPL
Broadcast Pro
4 days ago
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Thmanyah wins exclusive Mideast rights to Saudi football leagues
The rights include coverage of the following competitions, King Cup, Saudi Pro League (Roshn League), Saudi Super Cup and First Division League (Yelo League). Thmanyah Publishing and Distribution, the media subsidiary of Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG), has acquired exclusive broadcast rights for the Saudi Pro League (SPL) across the Middle East, marking a significant expansion into sports broadcasting for the company. The landmark deal includes not only the SPL but also extends to the King Cup, the Saudi Super Cup and the First Division League. The agreement will run from the 2025-26 season through 2030-31. Under the new rights arrangement, Thmanyah will offer two modes of coverage: select matches will be broadcast free-to-air via new satellite channels, while premium content and enhanced viewing experiences will be available through subscription-based digital platforms. The first competition under the new deal will be the Saudi Super Cup, set to be held in Hong Kong in August, featuring top clubs Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ittihad and Al Qadsiah. Thmanyah's entry into sports broadcasting marks a notable shift for the company, which has traditionally focused on producing Arabic-language digital content such as documentaries, newsletters, articles and podcasts aimed at documenting contemporary Arab society. Despite its lack of experience in live sports coverage, Thmanyah was selected following a competitive bidding process. According to the Saudi Pro League, First Division League, and the Saudi Football Federation (SAFF), the decision was based on Thmanyah's technical proposal, content and distribution strategy, and alignment with the league's broader goals to expand its media footprint and achieve financial sustainability. The SPL's media rights in the region have shifted hands several times over the last decade. From 2014-15 to 2023-24, MBC held the rights before the agreement was terminated early by Saudi Arabia's sports ministry. Saudi Telecom Company took over for a contract intended to last until 2027-28, but that deal also ended prematurely. It was succeeded by Saudi Sports Company (SSC), which has held the domestic broadcast rights since the 2022-23 season and will continue through 2024-25. SSC coverage is currently accessible via its television network and digital platforms including Shahid and GBOX. Meanwhile, international distribution has been managed by IMG, which holds the global broadcast rights for the SPL for the last two seasons and is committed to production services through the 2028-29 season. SPL's international visibility has expanded in recent years through deals with major broadcasters such as Canal Plus in France, DAZN in multiple territories, Fox in the US and the Caribbean, Okko in Russia, Tencent in China, and SportyTV in Nigeria and Ghana. Thmanyah's foray into sports broadcasting represents both a strategic shift and a bold commitment to elevating Saudi football's reach across the region, positioning the company at the forefront of the Kingdom's evolving sports media landscape.
Epoch Times
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Epoch Times
Paternity Leave in UK One of Worst in Developed World, Committee Finds
The UK has 'one of the worst leave offers in the developed world for fathers,' according to a report by the Women and Equalities Committee (WEC). The WEC It also found that the UK's rate of statutory paternal pay is 'completely out of kilter with the cost of living' and has not kept pace with inflation. WEC Chairwoman and Labour MP Sarah Owen She said the system is 'in urgent need of an overhaul to fit with the reality of working parents' lives,' and that reform must start with longer and better paid paternity leave. The report came ahead of the government's review of paternal leave entitlement and as the Employment Rights Bill moves through the House of Lords. International Comparisons The committee examined evidence from other models for parental leave around the world, finding that Nordic countries in particular have far more generous paternal leave terms. Related Stories 6/9/2025 5/30/2025 Norway, for example, introduced four weeks of non-transferable leave and pay for fathers in 1993. Today, parental leave for mothers and fathers is paid at 100 percent of earnings for 46 weeks, or 56 weeks at 80 percent, both with an upper cap. Spain has transformed its system in recent years after starting in a similar place as the UK. The country introduced 13 days of paid paternity in 2007, and between 2017 and 2021, gradually increased this to 16 weeks, equal to maternity leave and paid at 100 percent of earnings. Spain also made six weeks of that leave compulsory for mothers and fathers. The WEC said they heard from experts who recommended that the UK should similarly consider making a period of paternity leave compulsory, 'as a way of shifting the culture and challenging gendered stereotypes around family responsibilities.' Day 1 Paternity Leave Rights The WEC has called on the government to draw on lessons from Spain's reform of paternal leave, and incrementally increase the period of paid leave for fathers to six weeks over the course of this Parliament. The committee also urged ministers to remove the requirement that men must be employed for at least 26 weeks before being entitled to paternity leave, saying it should be available from the first day of employment. Commuters on London Bridge on Jan. 22, 2024. Victoria Jones/PA Wire Lack of paternal leave provision for self-employed fathers was also deemed 'deeply unfair,' with MPs calling for the introduction of a paternity allowance, similar to maternity allowance for self-employed mothers. The report also highlighted the flaws of Shared Parental Leave (SPL), which allows for parents to share up to 50 weeks of leave, so one or both parents can decide when to take leave in a more flexible way. The committee said SPL was 'extremely difficult for most parents and their employers to understand,' and called for it to be simplified and made more financially attractive to boost uptake. Reform Needed The WEC chairwoman said, 'It's essential the Government's proposed review addresses the system's fundamental failings, including low statutory pay, inadequate leave periods for fathers and others, exclusion of many working parents and guardians, plus design flaws and unnecessary complexity in the Shared Parental Leave scheme.' Owen called on ministers to commit to meaningful reforms in the medium term, 'with a view to going further towards a more gender equal parental leave system.' She said: 'Tinkering around the edges of a broken system will let down working parents. While much-needed substantial change to our paid parental leave system will require considerable financial investment, this would be outweighed by wider societal and economic benefits.' Responding to the recommendations of the report, a government spokesperson told The Epoch Times: 'This government is committed to making sure parents receive the best possible support to balance their work and home lives as part of our Plan to Make Work Pay. 'We know the parental leave system needs to be improved and will be carrying out a review to ensure it best supports working families, and through our Employment Rights Bill we will remove the 26-week continuity of service requirement for paternity leave.' The government said that as part of its review, it will consider all current parental leave entitlements, including paternity leave and pay and the length of leave available to fathers.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Al Hilal renew interest in Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez after Victor Osimhen blow
Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal have renewed their interest in Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez after missing out on Napoli's Victor Osimhen, according to the Daily Mail. Nunez is one of several players Liverpool could axe this summer, and the Saudi Pro League (SPL) have made it clear they're seriously interested in the Uruguayan striker. Advertisement Al Hilal are keen to bolster their squad ahead of their Club World Cup opener against Inter Miami. They've been keeping a close eye on Nunez, and the SPL runners-up are now looking to snap him up before the tournament's curtain raiser in just over a week. Nunez is expendable at Liverpool. The Reds paid a club-record £85 million to sign Nunez from Benfica three years ago, but he hasn't lived up to expectations. Over the past few years, he has struggled to nail down a spot in the starting line-up, and his fortunes didn't change when Arne Slot came in. He featured 47 times in all competitions but only started 17 and returned seven goals and seven assists. Advertisement Nunez only showed flashes of his brilliance. Even when Liverpool were plundered by injuries, Slot opted to field Luis Diaz in a central role, leaving Nunez frustrated and on the fringes. Liverpool are now on the market for a new striker, which could spell the end for Nunez. Cashing in on the Uruguayan striker could help Liverpool fund their move for a new striker. Al Hilal could offer Nunez an escape route. They were previously keen to land Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, but the Nigerian forward turned down a mouth-watering proposal to stay in Europe. Osimhen is coming off a phenomenal campaign with Galatasaray. During his loan spell, he cemented his place as one of the hottest strikers on the market. Advertisement The Nigeria international scored 37 goals in 41 games, helping Gala to the Turkish Super Lig title. He was also on Liverpool's radar, but the Reds seem to be pursuing a move for Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike instead. Liverpool were previously reluctant to part ways with Nunez, but they could change their minds if the SPL side returns with a mouth-watering bid. He's also reportedly open to a move. If Nunez moves to the Middle East, Liverpool could renew their interest in Osimhen, who is determined to remain in one of Europe's top five leagues this summer.
The Hindu
10-06-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Bangladesh squad for Singapore clash — Hamza Choudhury, Fahamedul included in AFC Asian Cup qualifier
Bangladesh will look to build on its strong start to 2025 when it faces Singapore in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup third-round qualifier at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Tuesday. The Bengal Tigers held top-seed India to a draw in Shillong earlier this year and edged Bhutan 1-0 in a recent friendly. Coach Javier Cabrera has recalled Fahamedul Islam, who missed the India matchday squad. FULL BANGLADESH SQUAD Goalkeepers: Mitul Marma, Sujon Hossain, Mehedi Hasan Srabon Defenders: Shakil Ahad Topu, Jahid Hasan Shanto, Rahmat Mia, Isa Faysal, Taj Uddin, Tariq Kazi, Topu Barman, Saad Uddin Midfielders: Mohammad Ridoy, Syed Shah Quazem Kirmanee, Sohel Rana, Mujibur Rahman Jony, Sheikh Morsalin, Jamal Bhuiyan, Hamza Choudhury, Shamit Shome Forwards: Fahamedul Islam, Foysal Ahmed Fahim, Rakib Hossain, Emon Shahriar, Mohammad Ibrahim, Al Amin, Sumon Reza All eyes remain on Hamza Choudhury, who made his Bangladesh debut this year after switching nationalities. He scored his first international goal against Bhutan and continues to draw attention after a strong season with Sheffield United. 'From what I've seen, Bangladesh have been getting good results over the past few games,' Singapore defender Amirul Adli told reporters. 'However, our focus will not solely be on Choudhury, as the whole Bangladesh side are a good team.' 'Some of our players have already played against a lot of good teams in the AFC Champions League Two (ACL2) and the Singapore Premier League (SPL) — so we will stick to our preparations and give them a good fight tomorrow.' Related Topics Bangladesh / Hamza Choudhury
New York Times
09-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Cristiano Ronaldo planning on Al Nassr stay: ‘Nothing is going to change'
Cristiano Ronaldo has said he is planning to be at Al Nassr next season amid ongoing speculation over his future. Ronaldo's deal with the Saudi Pro League (SPL) club expires on June 30 with The Athletic reporting last month that negotiations had taken place over a new contract for the 40-year-old. FIFA president Gianni Infantino added fuel to the fire in May by claiming Ronaldo 'might play' for a team at the Club World Cup and that there were 'discussions' over the prospect. Al Nassr have not qualified for the newly-expanded tournament in the United States, which begins later this week. Advertisement Ronaldo played that prospect down ahead of Sunday's Nations League final and, speaking after helping Portugal to victory over Spain, he appeared to commit to the SPL club. Asked about his future, Ronaldo said 'practically nothing is going to change' and when prompted with Al Nassr, he replied, 'Yes'. The latest comments follow those he made in a pre-final news conference on Saturday, when he said that he will almost certainly not leave to play in the Club World Cup despite receiving offers to do so. 'You can't go to everything,' Ronaldo added. 'I've pretty much made up my mind not to go to the Club World Cup.' The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has been with Al Nassr since December 2022, after leaving Manchester United, and won the SPL Golden Boot this past season with 25 goals. Ronaldo collected his third trophy with Portugal on Sunday after scoring their second goal in the 61st minute — his 138th for his country — to send the game to extra time and then penalties which they won 5-3. ()
