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Kylian Mbappe’s representatives say reports footballer faces rape probe are ‘false’ and a ‘slanderous rumor’

Kylian Mbappe’s representatives say reports footballer faces rape probe are ‘false’ and a ‘slanderous rumor’
Kylian Mbappe is being investigated for rape by Swedish police, according to a newspaper report in Sweden following a visit by the Real Madrid star to Stockholm, which Mbappe denounced as “fake news.” (AFP)
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Updated 15 October 2024

Kylian Mbappe’s representatives say reports footballer faces rape probe are ‘false’ and a ‘slanderous rumor’

Kylian Mbappe’s representatives say reports footballer faces rape probe are ‘false’ and a ‘slanderous rumor’
  • Swedish public broadcaster SVT and dailies Expressen and Aftonbladet, citing unnamed sources, reported that Mbappe, 25, was a suspect in the case
  • Mbappe’s representatives at PR firm Patricia Goldman said: “These accusations are totally false and irresponsible, and their propagation is unacceptable”

STOCKHOLM/PARIS: Allegations of rape against French footballer Kylian Mbappe are “totally false” and “a slanderous rumor,” his representatives said on Tuesday, following media reports that he was the subject of an investigation over an incident in a Stockholm hotel on Oct. 10.
Swedish prosecutors confirmed in a statement in response to the media coverage that a probe into an alleged rape at a hotel in central Stockholm had been opened, but did not identify a suspect.
Swedish public broadcaster SVT and dailies Expressen and Aftonbladet, citing unnamed sources, reported that Mbappe, 25, was a suspect in the case.
“A new slanderous rumor is starting to ignite the web,” a statement sent to Reuters by Mbappe’s representatives at PR firm Patricia Goldman said. “These accusations are totally false and irresponsible, and their propagation is unacceptable.
“Kylian Mbappe will under no circumstances tolerate his integrity, reputation and honor being sullied by unfounded insinuations.”
Mbappe posted a link to a French media story on the matter on X and wrote: “Fake News!!!!“
The France national team captain and Real Madrid forward had been on a private trip to the Nordic country’s capital last week with a group of friends, Swedish media reported.
Mbappe and his friends left Sweden on Friday Oct. 11. A report of the allegations against Mbappe was made to police by an unidentified victim the following day, Expressen and daily Aftonbladet reported.
“In response to media reports about a suspected rape in Stockholm, the prosecutor can confirm that a criminal report has been submitted to the police,” the Swedish Prosecution Authority said in a statement on Tuesday.
Reuters could not independently confirm the identity of the alleged victim or the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault.
Senior Prosecutor Marina Chirakova declined to comment further when reached by Reuters.
SVT and tabloid Expressen, citing unnamed sources, reported that the level of suspicion directed at Mbappe by investigators was “reasonable” — the lower of the two levels in the Swedish legal system. The higher level, “probable suspicion,” is usually required to have a suspect remanded in custody.
Mbappe trained with his Real Madrid teammates on Tuesday. The club did not immediately respond when asked if they were aware of the investigation and whether it had been contacted by the Swedish authorities.


Cricket’s on and off field developments threaten potential long-term consequences

Cricket’s on and off field developments threaten potential long-term consequences
Updated 30 sec ago

Cricket’s on and off field developments threaten potential long-term consequences

Cricket’s on and off field developments threaten potential long-term consequences
  • The ICC’s strategy to expand to make cricket more inclusive globally should bring longer term benefits and is to be applauded; it is less clear how geo-political tensions at the top of the game will play out

There is so much happening in cricket at the moment, both on and off the pitch, that it is difficult to determine which aspect has the most long-term relevance.

England’s men’s five match Test series against India resumed at Old Trafford, Manchester, on July 23 with the fourth Test. Tensions and tempers ran high in the previous match at Lords, where issues of quality with the Dukes-manufactured cricket balls loomed large. It remains to be seen whether these issues spill over to Manchester and to relations between the two teams in future. Dukes have undertaken to conduct a thorough review of the offending products. Their longer-term future may be in jeopardy.

In terms of relations between teams and countries, those involving India and Pakistan show few signs of mellowing. Evidence of this emerged during the World Championship of Legends tournament being played in England between July 18 and Aug. 4. India and Pakistan were scheduled to face each other at Edgbaston on July 20. A combination of player withdrawals, sponsor disengagement and unfavorable public views expressed on social media led to organizers cancelling the match — the announcement of which came only the day before it was due to be played. Last year, the corresponding match attracted 20,000 spectators; a year on, recent hostilities have percolated so far down the chain to involve retired players.

Former prominent Indian cricketers chose not to play, with Shikhar Dhawan saying he had taken the decision on May 11, putting country “above all else.” The tournament sponsor, Indian company EaseMyTrip which has a five-year agreement, officially announced it had told the tournament team from the beginning it “does not support or promote any match featuring Pakistan.”

This was an extraordinarily strong stance which reinforced public sentiment. The situation has been further muddied by rumors the Pakistan team is not willing to share the points on the basis that the match was abandoned because the Indian side withdrew. 

How the deteriorating relations spill over into matches between the national teams of both countries remains to be seen. News about the men’s Asia Cup has been silent for the last three weeks. Hopes were raised it might be hosted in the UAE, rather than the nominated host country India, in early to mid-September. The AGM of the Asia Cricket Council, at which the Asia Cup should be discussed, has been scheduled for Dhaka on July 24-25. Even this has created tensions. It is understood Mohsin Naqvi, chair of both the ACC and the Pakistan Cricket Board, as well as being Pakistan’s interior minister, invited the Bangladesh Cricket Board to host the meeting. There are current political tensions between India and Bangladesh and a six match white ball series between them, set for August, has recently been rescheduled.

It was no surprise to learn the Board of Control for Cricket in India initially objected to the choice of venue and indicated it would not send a representative. This view may well have been shared by other ACC members, who may not wish to run the risk of upsetting the BCCI. At least three representatives of the five Asian Test playing nations need to be present to achieve a quorum. One assumes Bangladesh is in favor, along with Pakistan. If India is not, pressure is placed on Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. The ACC constitution also requires the presence of at least 10 full non-test playing nations or associate members in order to be quorate. There are ten of each category and doubts were expressed about their keenness to participate in sufficient quantity.

Nevertheless, Naqvi refused to yield on the venue. It can be assumed there have been strenuous behind the scenes diplomatic maneuvers in the last few days to avert a stand-off. The latest indications are that the AGM will go ahead with virtual attendance by some boards and probably a reduced agenda. It is very much in Pakistan’s interest that the Asia Cup takes place because, unlike the cash-rich BCCI, it needs the income, estimated at around $14 million. Naqvi may not have helped matters by being unable to attend the ICC AGM in Singapore between July 17-20 as it clashed with an official visit to Afghanistan in his ministerial role, although he did join virtually.

Those present discussed matters ranging from the governance of cricket in the USA to new members and support for displaced women cricketers of Afghan descent, many of whom are in Australia. Cricket’s administrators have been criticized for a lack of action in respect of these women. An ICC working group reported on a program designed to deliver support through high-performance initiatives, domestic playing opportunities and engagement at key ICC global events. These may include the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England.

A priority for the ICC is to ensure USA Cricket has appropriate governance structures in place in the build up to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, when cricket will feature for the first time since 1900. USA Cricket has been plagued by persistent governance and legal issues for years, something which concerns the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee, which has yet to designate USA Cricket as the national governing body for cricket in the US. Such a body is required in order to field teams at the Olympics.

A year ago, the ICC issued a suspension notice to USA Cricket pending comprehensive governance reforms, which included the completion of free and fair elections. These have not yet been enacted and the ICC has extended its period of notice by a further three months, adding it reserves the right to take such actions as it deems appropriate. If USA Cricket is still deemed non-compliant then it could be suspended and, ultimately, face expulsion as a member.

A brighter note, at least for the England and Wales Cricket Board, was confirmation of it being awarded hosting rights for the ICC World Test Championship Finals for 2027, 2029 and 2031. Two new members — Timor-Leste Cricket Federation and Zambia Cricket Union — were announced as ICC Associate members, taking the total to 110. Timor-Leste becomes the 10th Associate member of the East Asia Pacific region and is the first to join since the Philippines in 2003. In Zambia’s case, it represents a return to the fold after being expelled in 2021 due to administrative and organizational issues. Africa now has 22 ICC members with the prospect of an increase in future. Burkina Faso, Mauritius and Burundi are all planning to submit relevant paperwork to the ICC’s membership committee before a December deadline.

These moves underpin the ICC’s strategy to expand cricket’s global reach and to make cricket more inclusive globally. Each should bring longer term benefits and be applauded. It is less clear how the geo-political tensions at the top of the game will play out. There is a fear Pakistan may become isolated. If so, this would only serve to strengthen India’s control over world cricket. The outcome of the ACC AGM may provide further evidence of how this power is being wielded.


England to host New Zealand, Pakistan in test series in 2026

England to host New Zealand, Pakistan in test series in 2026
Updated 42 min 55 sec ago

England to host New Zealand, Pakistan in test series in 2026

England to host New Zealand, Pakistan in test series in 2026
  • Pakistan will arrive in England in mid-August for three tests in 2026
  • India and Sri Lanka will visit England for white-ball tours the same year

England will host New Zealand and Pakistan in test series next year, and India and Sri Lanka will visit for white-ball tours, the country’s cricket governing body (ECB) said on Thursday.

England will play three tests against New Zealand in June, starting at Lord’s, and Pakistan will arrive in mid-August for three tests.

India and Sri Lanka, who are jointly hosting the Twenty20 World Cup early next year, will play one-day and T20 internationals in England.

“It’s terrific to see so many different nations coming over to compete and we can expect another summer of big crowds and fantastic cricket,” ECB Chief Executive Officer Richard Gould said in a statement.


Saif Alblooshi wins first gold for UAE at IMMAF Youth World Championships

Saif Alblooshi wins first gold for UAE at IMMAF Youth World Championships
UAE's Saif Alblooshi celebrates winning gold at the IMMAF Youth World Championships in Al Ain. (SUPPLIED)
Updated 24 July 2025

Saif Alblooshi wins first gold for UAE at IMMAF Youth World Championships

Saif Alblooshi wins first gold for UAE at IMMAF Youth World Championships
  • Emirati Ghala Al-Hammadi secures silver in women’s Youth B 44 kg category

AL-AIN: The UAE’s Saif Alblooshi clinched the host nation’s first gold medal at the IMMAF Youth World Championships in Al-Ain on Wednesday, defeating Azizullo Mirzoev of Tajikistan in the men’s Youth B (14–15 years) 40 kg final.

Alblooshi delivered a composed and technically dominant performance, spurred on by strong support from the home crowd.

This marks the second time Alblooshi has won gold at the IMMAF Youth World Championships, having also topped the podium in 2023 in the same weight division.

Adding to the UAE’s medal tally, Ghala Al-Hammadi secured silver in the women’s Youth B 44 kg category.

The results mean the UAE’s haul now stands at 11 — one gold, two silver and eight bronze.

Day three saw the start of the Youth B category at the ADNEC Centre in Al-Ain. The division continues on Thursday, with more closely matched bouts expected as athletes compete across multiple weight classes.

The event, hosted in the Al-Ain region for the first time runs until July 27 under the patronage of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi and chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

Mohammed Jasem Al-Hosani, member of the MMA Committee at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, said: “We are seeing clear progress each day in terms of technical skill and tactical discipline shown by athletes inside the cage. This year’s championship is gaining momentum and reflects a promising future for youth athletes around the world. The strong spectator presence and family support have added a meaningful community and cultural dimension to the event.”


Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum bin Juma Al-Maktoum joins PFL ownership group

Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum bin Juma Al-Maktoum joins PFL ownership group
Updated 24 July 2025

Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum bin Juma Al-Maktoum joins PFL ownership group

Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum bin Juma Al-Maktoum joins PFL ownership group
  • PFL MENA continues to grow its presence in the Middle East following Champions Series Dubai event in January and ongoing season

DUBAI: The Professional Fighters League on Thursday announced that Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum bin Juma Al-Maktoum has joined the PFL’s global ownership group.

The strategic addition strengthens PFL’s commitment to expanding its presence in the Middle East and supporting the growth of mixed martial arts across the UAE and the region, PFL said. 

“I am delighted to join the PFL’s ownership group as I believe in PFL’s global vision to grow the sport of MMA, and I am excited by PFL’s momentum in staging world-class fight events in Dubai and the UAE region,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

Sheikh Mohammed is the founding chairman of Alpha MBM Investments, a diversified investment company based in Dubai with strategic interests across real estate, technology, energy and sports. Alpha MBM has become a key player in driving economic innovation and global partnerships across sectors aligned with the UAE’s long-term vision.

The PFL has already made a significant impact in the region, having become the first global MMA organization to stage a major event in Dubai earlier this year. The event, held in partnership with Dubai Economy & Tourism and the Dubai Sports Council, featured what many called the most exciting title fight of the year; a clash between undefeated Russian star Usman Nurmagomedov and rising Irish sensation Paul Hughes.

“PFL is excited to welcome Sheikh Mohammed and his expertise to our ownership group,” said Peter Murray, CEO of PFL International. “This marks another major milestone in our global expansion strategy and reinforces our long-term commitment to expanding our presence in the Middle East.

With the addition of Sheikh Mohammed to the PFL ownership group, the league said it was further poised to deliver premium MMA experiences in the UAE and across the broader MENA region, while also building pathways for regional fighters to compete on the global stage, he said.

The PFL said it was elevating the sport of MMA in the Middle East through the PFL MENA franchise, which is currently in its second season. The regional tournament has successfully created stars from the MENA region including the likes of PFL MENA Champions Abdullah Al-Qahtani and Omar El-Dafrawy, and Middle Eastern women’s MMA pioneer Hattan Alsaif. The third event of the PFL MENA season is expected to take place in September. 


Skateboarding icon Tony Hawk takes in Esports World Cup in Riyadh

Skateboarding icon Tony Hawk takes in Esports World Cup in Riyadh
Skateboarder Tony Hawk during a viusist to the Esports World Cup in Riyadh. (AN Photo)
Updated 24 July 2025

Skateboarding icon Tony Hawk takes in Esports World Cup in Riyadh

Skateboarding icon Tony Hawk takes in Esports World Cup in Riyadh
  • ‘It’s multiple arenas, thousands of competitors, it kind of takes over the whole city and it’s very impressive,’ says star

RIYADH: From skateboarding in drained swimming pools to becoming the global face of skateboarding, Tony Hawk has been at the center of an industry he has seen grow from a backyard hobby to featuring in the Olympic Games.

And in a similar way, gaming and esports have rapidly grown into global phenomena, capturing the hearts and minds of millions worldwide. And while the world’s most famous skateboarder has seen and been part of some incredible spectacles, he has been stunned by the scale of the Esports World Cup in Riyadh.

“This is my first time ever in Ƶ and in Riyadh at the Esports World Cup. I think the most surprising thing is the size of it,” said Hawk. “I thought it would be one arena and games coming in and out. It’s multiple arenas, thousands of competitors, it kind of takes over the whole city and it’s very impressive.”

Arriving in Riyadh, Hawk took the opportunity to tick another country off his skating bucket list, breaking out his board to carve the streets of Ƶ and check out the local skate scene.

“I think there’s a lot of potential here, especially in skateboarding or action sports,” he said. “I see a growing passion for skateboarding. They could really seize the opportunity and create a thriving skate scene very quickly.”

Soaking in the atmosphere and touring the Esports World Cup Festival, Hawk has garnered huge attention from local fans eager to interact with an icon of the skateboarding world.

“I am surprised any time I get recognized, especially in foreign countries that are not very skate centric. It’s always a shock because I never got into skateboarding to be famous; no one was famous in skateboarding, in fact it was the furthest thing from fame you could do when I started.

“All these interactions I just think are entertaining, because I get recognized but people don’t expect me to have gotten older since they last saw me, which is usually from a video game, so they’re like, ‘it looks that guy, but he can’t be that old.’ And that’s fine with me.”

Having been at the forefront of an industry that accelerated from a niche activity to a global sport, Hawk has seen significant parallels between gaming and skateboarding. He believes esports will only get bigger, providing people around the world who have a passion for gaming with the opportunity to pursue impactful careers in the industry.

“I see a lot of parallels between skateboarding and gaming,” he said. “Especially in the early days, you did it because you loved it. It was the furthest thing from cool, there was no future, there was no career,” Tony says. “Mostly you were told you shouldn’t be doing that. Especially by adults and especially when you become an adult.

“Gaming is the same. When playing games as a kid I’m sure parents thought you spent too much time doing it, [that] it’s not productive, it’s eating into your homework or your social life. Now it’s a huge industry and you can become a professional, the same as skateboarding.

“I feel the people who were there in the earlier days understand it on a deeper level because they were chastised for it. These days if someone gets into skating or gaming, they know that they could make a living out of it, without question, and their parents might even encourage it. That’s kind of wild to me. No parents were really encouraging skateboarding in my day.”

With the gaming and esports industry thriving around the world alongside the growth of streaming and social media, pathways into the gaming and esports industry have been established, creating opportunities for young people to forge careers in the industry they love.

What seemed impossible a few years ago is becoming a reality; the gaming industry continues to grow and with it comes the opportunity for those with the ability, dedication and creative spark to become professionals within the industry.

“My parents were the rare exception, that they were supportive of my skating, but they didn’t think it was going to be a career either,” said Hawk. “They wanted me to go to college. I was a professional skateboarder, I was buying a house in my senior year of high school, and they wanted me to enroll in college. So they didn’t believe it was going to be my future either.

“Kids who aspire to game for a living have a chance now, and their parents may be supportive of that decision. I don’t know if it’s going to happen every time, but it’s kind of like skateboarding in that way too. There are so many ways to do it. You can be a streamer, you can have your own niche, you can have your own brand or personality and with skateboarding it’s the same. You don’t have to compete. If you’re making good content and you’re putting it out there and you’re innovative, you can still thrive at it.”

On release the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series became one of the most popular video game franchises of all time, defining a generation and accelerating the growth of skateboarding and gaming culture across the world.

More than 20 years later, the re-release of the original titles and updates to the franchise continue to capture the imaginations of gamers across the world, connecting them to the nostalgia of the originals, while updating them to engage with a new generation of gamers.

“Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 just came out, and it’s a remake of our third and fourth games from over 20 years ago,” said Hawk.

“I think the reason that we even get to do those now is that there is a very deep nostalgia for these games. For people, I think it defines a time in their lives where they formed their taste in music, where they learned about something other than mainstream sports, skateboarding specifically, but also other fringe sports and alternative, action sports. I hear a lot of people say that it was their best days playing that game, or it’s the reason I failed college, and either one I take as a compliment.”

He added: “I think what set Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater apart in the early days was that it was authentic. It represented skateboarding in all its forms, the culture, the music, the fashion, the skaters, the tricks and the renegade attitude, hopping fences and everything. To bring it [back in] 2025 we had to update it in all respects. I wanted to reflect how skateboarding is now, how much more inclusive it is, how much more international it is, and I think we did that well. We chose some new skaters, brought back most of the iconic legends, and we even brought in three new levels, so I do feel we’ve entered a new era.”