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  • Real Madrid tie halted over Vinicius racism allegation

    Real Madrid tie halted over Vinicius racism allegation

    A pivotal Champions League knockout phase play-off between Benfica and Real Madrid was dramatically interrupted for ten minutes following allegations of racist abuse directed at Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior. The incident occurred at Lisbon’s Estadio da Luz after the 25-year-old had broken the deadlock with a spectacular 50th-minute goal.

    Referee Francois Letexier initiated FIFA’s official crossed-arms gesture to signal recognition of racist abuse after consulting with Vinicius, who reported being targeted by Benfica’s Argentine winger Gianluca Prestianni. In a powerful display of solidarity, Vinicius was followed off the pitch by his entire Real Madrid squad, halting play in the 60th minute.

    The match eventually resumed and concluded with Real Madrid securing a 1-0 victory after twelve minutes of stoppage time, during which Vinicius was struck on the arm by an object thrown from the crowd.

    Post-match, Vinicius issued a strongly-worded statement on Instagram, declaring: ‘Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to put their shirts in their mouths to show how weak they are. But they have the protection of others who, theoretically, have an obligation to punish them. Nothing that happened today is new in my life or in my team’s life.’

    Prestianni denied the allegations, stating: ‘I want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults to Vini Jr, who regrettably misunderstood what he thought he heard.’

    This incident marks the latest in a distressing pattern of racist abuse targeting Vinicius throughout his career. In May 2025, five individuals received suspended prison sentences for racially abusing him during a match against Real Valladolid—the first conviction of its kind in Spanish football history.

    UEFA’s three-step racism protocol, established in 2009, provides officials with procedures to address discriminatory behavior, including match suspensions and potential abandonment if abuse persists. The cross-arms gesture employed by Letexier was introduced by FIFA in May 2024 as a standardized signal for identifying racist incidents.

  • Easier than mocks: UAE students start CBSE board exams under new system

    Easier than mocks: UAE students start CBSE board exams under new system

    Thousands of Indian curriculum students across the UAE commenced their Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) examinations on Tuesday under a significantly transformed assessment framework. The inaugural mathematics paper for Grade 10 students marked the operational debut of CBSE’s redesigned examination system, which introduces biannual testing opportunities and earlier examination timelines.

    Educational institutions throughout the Emirates implemented comprehensive support measures to ensure seamless examination administration. Schools coordinated multifaceted preparations encompassing traffic management, specialized provisions for students of determination, and emotional support initiatives. At Shining Star International School, Principal Abhilasha Singh personally contacted students to offer encouragement, noting their predominantly excited and positive demeanor.

    The structural reform enables students to undertake examinations twice within the same academic year, with February tests being compulsory and May sessions optional. This departure from the previous single-attempt March examination schedule provides academic flexibility and reduces performance pressure.

    Parental responses reflected general satisfaction with the revised system. Dubai resident Lekha Justin reported her son found the mathematics examination substantially more manageable than mock tests, completing all questions with confidence. The earlier examination conclusion allows students extended decompression periods before advancing to Grade 11.

    Principal Bhanu Sharma of Woodlem Park School emphasized holistic development perspectives through pre-examination prayer sessions, advising students that while examinations are significant, long-term success hinges on resilience and work ethic cultivation. Concurrently, CBSE clarified regulatory parameters, specifying that absence from three or more February subjects disqualifies students from May examinations.

    As Grade 12 students prepare for upcoming physics examinations, contemporary preparation methodologies including live YouTube problem-solving sessions represent the evolving educational technology integration within examination preparation frameworks.

  • Brazilian snowboarder Pat Burgener’s Olympic journey spans the mountains to music

    Brazilian snowboarder Pat Burgener’s Olympic journey spans the mountains to music

    MILAN — At the intersection of elite athletic performance and artistic expression stands Pat Burgener, a Brazilian snowboarder whose Olympic journey is intrinsically woven with his multifaceted musical career. The 31-year-old athlete, who previously competed for Switzerland in both the 2018 Pyeongchang and 2022 Beijing Winter Games, recently embraced his Brazilian heritage through competition and performance.

    Burgener’s connection to Brazil deepened during the country’s hosting of the all-Brazil FIFA Club World Championship in 2000, ultimately leading to his representation of Brazil in international competition. This cultural fusion found vibrant expression at Brazil House in Milan, where Burgener delivered an electrifying performance that saw him simultaneously playing guitar, harmonica, and drum pedals with his bare feet before an enthusiastic audience of approximately 50 revelers.

    The athlete-musician’s artistic journey began at age five with parental encouragement, eventually mastering piano, guitar, ukulele, harmonica, trumpet, flute, and the four-string cavaquinho. Burgener, who was later diagnosed with ADHD, discovered that music provided essential cognitive focus and life balance alongside his athletic pursuits.

    “Society often discourages multidimensional pursuits in favor of specialization,” Burgener told The Associated Press before his performance. “But for me, maintaining both snowboarding and music represents a necessary life equilibrium.”

    Burgener’s Olympic journey with Team Brazil concluded on February 11 in Livigno, Italy, with a 14th-place finish in the men’s halfpipe qualifying event that prevented advancement to finals. Despite this competitive outcome, the athlete views the experience as creative fuel for his musical endeavors.

    “There’s a complex emotional landscape following intense competition—happiness, sadness, what I term post-Olympic depression,” Burgener reflected. “This transitional period excites me creatively as I channel these experiences into songwriting.”

    Burgener represents a growing trend of athletes incorporating music into their competitive routines. At these Winter Games, numerous freestyle skiers and snowboarders utilized music as an essential performance tool. Canadian skier Evan McEachran, for instance, listened to hardcore rap through helmet-integrated earphones during qualifying sessions, explaining that “high-tempo music provides an energetic jolt when needed.”

    Though Burgener’s Olympic outcome differed from that of his teammate Lucas Pinheiro Braathen—who earned South America’s first Winter Olympics gold medal—the snowboarder-musician continues synthesizing his athletic experiences into artistic expression, demonstrating that Olympic legacies extend beyond medal counts.

  • Australia out of T20 World Cup as Zimbabwe qualify after washout

    Australia out of T20 World Cup as Zimbabwe qualify after washout

    In a dramatic turn of events at the T20 World Cup, defending champions Australia suffered a shocking early elimination from the tournament following the complete washout of the Zimbabwe-Ireland match in Kandy on Tuesday. The abandonment due to persistent drizzle secured Zimbabwe’s progression to the Super Eight stage alongside Sri Lanka from Group B.

    The match at Pallekelle Stadium was called off at 5:30 PM local time after umpires determined no possibility of completing even a reduced five-over contest before the 6:10 PM cutoff. This outcome proved catastrophic for Australia’s campaign, as they required an Irish victory to maintain any chance of advancing. Instead, Zimbabwe reached an unassailable five points with one game remaining, while Ireland finished third with three points. Australia, stranded at two points with only their final match against Oman remaining, cannot mathematically overtake the Zimbabweans.

    Australia’s premature exit caps a disastrous tournament preparation and performance. The 2021 champions entered the competition weakened by the injury absences of premier pace bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. Captain Mitchell Marsh missed the opening two matches after suffering testicular bleeding from a training incident. Additionally, the controversial exclusion of Test legend Steve Smith raised eyebrows, particularly given his excellent form in the Big Bash League and proven expertise against spin bowling.

    Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza celebrated his team’s underdog achievement while maintaining perspective. ‘We have come this far. We will celebrate but we have a game against Sri Lanka to come,’ Raza stated. ‘This is only a tick in the box and this is not the only thing that we set out for. Everyone loves an underdog story.’

    Ireland skipper Lorcan Tucker expressed profound disappointment with the nature of their elimination. ‘Obviously very disappointed to go out in this fashion, but completely uncontrollable,’ Tucker remarked, acknowledging that his team’s batting failures and dropped catches against Sri Lanka ultimately proved costly.

    Amid the disappointing weather, approximately two dozen vibrant Zimbabwean fans provided continuous entertainment, dancing and singing throughout the afternoon. Raza paid tribute to these supporters, noting: ‘I can tell you, whichever corner they’re sitting at, at any ground, they’ll be the loudest, and they have the songs. They just keep the vibe.’

    Zimbabwe now advances to face West Indies, India, and South Africa in the Super Eight phase, continuing their remarkable underdog journey in the tournament.

  • Nine arrested in France over death of far-right student

    Nine arrested in France over death of far-right student

    French authorities have apprehended nine individuals, including a parliamentary aide from the radical left France Unbowed (LFI) party, in connection with the murder of a far-right student in Lyon. The incident has ignited a political firestorm, placing intense scrutiny on one of France’s prominent left-wing parties.

    Quentin Deranque, a 23-year-old mathematics student, succumbed to his injuries last Saturday after being brutally assaulted by a group of masked assailants. The attack occurred on Thursday following a demonstration by far-right feminist groups outside the city’s prestigious Institute of Political Studies (Sciences-Po), where Deranque was reportedly providing security assistance.

    Investigative sources confirm the detained suspects are affiliated with far-left militant groups, particularly the banned organization La Jeune Garde (Young Guard). The most politically significant arrest is Jacques-Elie Favrot, who served as a parliamentary assistant for an LFI deputy in the National Assembly.

    The case has generated substantial pressure on LFI, its 70 parliamentary representatives, and veteran leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon—a potential contender in next year’s presidential election. Mélenchon has vehemently denied any party involvement, stating: “We have nothing to do with this story. Those who accuse us are committing libel. We oppose all forms of violence.”

    Forensic analysis presented by state prosecutor Thierry Dran revealed Deranque sustained fatal cranial and cerebral damage from being kicked and punched by at least six individuals. The investigation continues as authorities examine the broader implications of political violence in France.

  • Johannes Lochner leads German 2-man Olympic bobsled sweep, Frank Del Duca 4th for US

    Johannes Lochner leads German 2-man Olympic bobsled sweep, Frank Del Duca 4th for US

    CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — The German bobsled team delivered an exhibition of absolute dominance at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, achieving a historic medal sweep in the two-man event that reinforced their unparalleled supremacy in the sport.

    Johannes Lochner, competing in what he describes as his farewell season, captured his first Olympic gold medal alongside brakeman Georg Fleischhauer with a commanding performance. Their four-run cumulative time of 3 minutes, 39.70 seconds established the largest Olympic two-man victory margin in 46 years at 1.34 seconds.

    “There’s nothing better than when a plan works out,” an emotional Lochner stated, embracing his teammate. “Speechless… feeling so much happiness. I cannot describe this.”

    The German podium monopoly was completed by Francesco Friedrich—the two-time defending Olympic champion in both two-man and four-man events—with Alexander Schuller securing silver (3:41.04), while Adam Ammour and Alexander Schaller claimed bronze (3:41.52).

    The United States team of Frank Del Duca and Josh Williamson narrowly missed disrupting the German trifecta, finishing fourth with a time of 3:41.96—matching the second-best American two-man Olympic result in seven decades.

    This remarkable achievement marks only the second Olympic bobsled medal sweep in history, with Germany previously accomplishing the same feat in the two-man event at the Beijing Games four years ago.

    The German dominance extends far beyond Olympic competition. During the current World Cup season and Olympics, German teams captured 23 of 24 available two-man medals. Over the complete four-year Olympic cycle, Germany has won 34 of 35 two-man races across World Cup, world championship, and Olympic competitions, collecting 85 of 105 possible medals.

    Lochner now looks ahead to what he anticipates will be his final international competition—the four-man event this weekend, where he enters as the overwhelming favorite.

  • Israel’s largest cargo firm acquired by Saudi and Qatari-owned German shipping giant

    Israel’s largest cargo firm acquired by Saudi and Qatari-owned German shipping giant

    In a landmark maritime industry consolidation, German shipping conglomerate Hapag-Lloyd has formalized a $4.2 billion agreement to acquire Israel’s flagship cargo carrier ZIM. The transaction, pending final approval from Israeli authorities, represents one of the most significant developments in global shipping this year.

    The acquisition structure reveals complex international ownership ties. Hapag-Lloyd, ranked as the world’s fifth-largest container shipping line, counts Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds among its principal stakeholders. Qatar Investment Authority maintains a 12.3% ownership stake while Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund controls 10.2% of the German company.

    ZIM Integrated Shipping Services, established in 1945 following Israel’s founding, represents the nation’s largest maritime transport operator. Though privatized in the early 2000s, the Israeli government retains partial ownership through state-held shares. The Government Companies Authority has requested additional documentation before granting final approval.

    The acquisition framework includes notable operational provisions. Israeli private equity firm FIMI will partner with Hapag-Lloyd to manage ZIM’s domestic operations, with CEO Ishay Davidi emphasizing the strategic importance of maintaining “a strong independent Israeli shipping company.” The German carrier has committed to sustaining ZIM’s development center in Haifa with planned investments in cybersecurity infrastructure.

    Labor tensions have emerged as a significant complication. ZIM’s unionized workforce initiated immediate strike action following the announcement, halting all loading and unloading operations. Union chairman Oren Casspi declared vehement opposition, stating workers would “burn the company down” rather than accept the acquisition under current terms. Approximately 880 Israeli employees face potential job losses despite Hapag-Lloyd’s commitment to guarantee all positions for at least one year post-acquisition.

    The transaction’s completion timeline extends through 2026 due to regulatory processes, with Hapag-Lloyd representative Samer Haj-Yehia characterizing the acquisition as recognizing “national interest of the State of Israel” while ensuring financial resilience.

  • Dubai to inspect price stability of 9 goods on daily basis in Ramadan

    Dubai to inspect price stability of 9 goods on daily basis in Ramadan

    Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has launched an intensified daily inspection regime targeting price stability for nine essential commodities throughout Ramadan 2026. The comprehensive monitoring program focuses on cooking oil, eggs, dairy products, rice, sugar, poultry, legumes, bread, and wheat—items deemed critical for household consumption during the holy month.

    Inspectors are utilizing specialized barcode-scanning devices that instantly verify whether merchandise prices remain within government-mandated ranges. According to UAE regulation, any price increase on these designated essentials requires formal approval from the Ministry of Economy and Tourism accompanied by justified rationale.

    Ahmed Ahli, Director of Tourism Activities Monitoring at DET, confirmed to Khaleej Times that while seasonal staples like samosas, Vimto, and dates aren’t price-controlled, they remain subject to reasonableness checks. The daily inspection protocol—also implemented during Eid, New Year’s Eve, and back-to-school periods—supplements regular monthly price verification routines.

    The initiative builds upon previous enforcement efforts that recorded 7,702 violations nationwide in 2025, with 93.9% of consumer complaints resolved within days. DET has already conducted 400 site visits and 10 supplier workshops emphasizing consumer rights obligations this season.

    A critical aspect of the inspections involves ensuring retailers transparently display loyalty program pricing. “Previously these were footnotes in small font,” Ahli noted. “Now we mandate clear, bold labeling indicating whether prices apply to all customers or specific program members.”

    The department emphasizes evidentiary requirements for consumer complaints, urging shoppers to retain receipts and documentation. Complaints without supporting evidence frequently face dismissal, according to officials. Consumers may submit grievances through the official portal (consumerrights.gov.ae) or hotline (600 545 5555).

    Alongside enforcement, DET continues consumer awareness campaigns including digital distribution of the ‘Consumer Rights Guide’ to encourage violation reporting. Last year’s nearly 100,000 requests included approximately 89,000 consumer complaints, though officials note not all complaints indicate merchant fault, sometimes reflecting misunderstandings or unmet expectations.

  • A crossroads season as former major champion Henrik Stenson eyes DP World Tour return

    A crossroads season as former major champion Henrik Stenson eyes DP World Tour return

    Golf icon Henrik Stenson stands at a pivotal juncture in his professional career as 2026 unfolds, with multiple competitive pathways emerging following his departure from LIV Golf. The former Open Championship winner (2016) and Dubai resident, now 49, finds himself contemplating a return to the DP World Tour while simultaneously preparing for his senior circuit debut.

    Stenson’s competitive future came into focus after he failed to retain LIV Golf playing privileges in 2025, finishing 52nd in the Individual Standings. The Swedish golfer, owner of 22 global professional titles including two DP World Tour Championship victories (2013, 2014) and the 2007 HERO Dubai Desert Classic, has reportedly settled fines exceeding £1 million for participating in conflicting events without required releases. This financial resolution, coupled with serving an undisclosed suspension, now clears his path for potential DP World Tour reinstatement.

    The veteran’s career trajectory took significant turns in recent years. His 2022 move to LIV Golf resulted in removal from Team Europe’s Ryder Cup captaincy for the 2023 matches, with Luke Donald assuming leadership and securing consecutive victories in 2023 and 2025. Questions remain regarding Stenson’s partial ownership of Majesticks GC, which he co-captained alongside Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood, and whether divestment would be necessary for full competitive return.

    Stenson’s competitive hiatus since August 2025 adds intrigue to his next appearance. Despite opportunities to regain status through January’s LIV Golf Promotions event or explore Asian Tour options, the golfer has maintained strategic flexibility. His seventh-place position on the DP World Tour’s all-time money list (Category 11a) guarantees tournament access, supplemented by potential sponsor invitations.

    April 5, 2026 marks a significant milestone as Stenson becomes eligible for senior competitions upon turning 50. He has already entered the Senior PGA Championship at The Concession Golf Club (April 16-19) and is expected to compete in the European Legends Tour event in Barbados beginning April 23. This opens possibilities for a global schedule blending DP World Tour events, senior tournaments, and major championships including The Open through his champion status.

    The evolving landscape of professional golf appears increasingly accommodating of players transitioning between tours, suggesting Stenson’s career decisions may benefit from more flexible governance approaches. As one of modern golf’s most accomplished competitors navigates this critical phase, the sporting world watches with anticipation regarding how the Swedish star will shape his competitive future.

  • UAE scrubbing Hind al-Owais from internet after Epstein emails uncovered

    UAE scrubbing Hind al-Owais from internet after Epstein emails uncovered

    A comprehensive digital scrubbing campaign has targeted references to Emirati official Hind al-Owais across multiple government-affiliated platforms following revelations of her correspondence with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Middle East Eye’s investigation reveals systematic removal of her professional presence from official accounts and websites.

    Al-Owais, who served as director of the UAE’s Permanent Committee for Human Rights (PCHR), has seen her mentions systematically erased from the organization’s Instagram, X, and LinkedIn accounts, along with its official website. This includes recent posts identifying her as PCHR director from early February 2025 and references to her participation in the 6th Global Tolerance and Human Fraternity Conference in Dubai.

    The digital purge extends beyond social media to institutional websites. The Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA) removed a page detailing Owais’ role as moderator of a February 2025 panel discussion on human rights. Her profile page from the World Governments Summit, where she was listed as a past speaker, now redirects to the homepage.

    According to released US Department of Justice files, Owais exchanged numerous emails with Epstein between 2010-2012, following his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. The correspondence reveals friendly exchanges, meeting arrangements, and career advice requests, including one message where Owais asked Epstein to “teach me how to make money.”

    The emails reference meetings with an unidentified “His Highness” – an honorific typically reserved for senior members of Emirati ruling families. While no evidence suggests Owais participated in criminal activity, the communications indicate they maintained close acquaintanceship.

    This development follows recent scrutiny of UAE-Epstein connections, including last week’s replacement of prominent businessman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem from leadership positions after revelations of his decades-long relationship with Epstein.

    Emirati social media personalities have launched a defense campaign, characterizing the interactions as normal professional networking. Ahmed Sharif al-Ameri stated that “professional contact is not criminal participation” and contextualized the informal tone of messages as standard business communication practices.

    Neither PCHR, UAE foreign ministry, AGDA, nor the World Governments Summit responded to requests for comment regarding the digital removals.