Sports
Football offers hope as Gaza hosts 1st tournament in over 2 years
On a battered five-a-side field carved out of rubble and shattered buildings, Jabalia Youth faced Al-Sadaqa in the Gaza Strip’s first organized soccer tournament in more than two years.
The game finished in a draw, as did the following match between Beit Hanoun and Al-Shujaiya.
The scorelines mattered little. Fans pressed against the chain-link fence at Palestine Pitch in the devastated Tal al-Hawa district of Gaza City, cheering every touch and rattling the metal in rhythm.
Boys scrambled up a cracked concrete wall for a better view, while others peered through gaps in the ruins. A lone drumbeat echoed across the wreckage, carrying the sound of soccer back into a city that has missed it.
Youssef Jendiya, 21, a Jabalia Youth player from an area of Gaza largely depopulated and bulldozed by Israeli forces, described his feelings at being back on the pitch.
“Confused. Happy, sad, joyful, happy.”
“People search for water in the morning, food, bread. Life is a little difficult. But there is a little left of the day when you can come and play soccer and express some of the joy inside you,” he said.
“You come to the stadium missing many of your teammates, killed, injured or those who traveled for treatment. So the joy is incomplete.”
Four months after a cease-fire ended major fighting in Gaza, there has been almost no reconstruction.
Israeli forces have ordered residents out of nearly two-thirds of the strip, crowding more than 2 million people into a sliver along the coast, most in makeshift tents or damaged buildings.
The former site of Gaza City’s 9,000-seat Yarmouk Stadium, which Israeli forces leveled during the war and used as a detention center, now houses displaced families in white tents clustered on what was once the pitch.
For this week’s tournament, the Football Association cleared rubble from a collapsed wall along a half-sized field, installed a fence and swept debris off the old artificial turf.
By taking part, the teams were “delivering a message,” said Amjad Abu Awda, 31, a Beit Hanoun player.
“That no matter what happened in terms of destruction and war, we continue playing and living. Life must continue.”
Inter Miami’s bold bet on Lionel Messi keeps rewriting the balance sheet.
In December, the Argentine star powered the club to its first MLS Cup. Now, with the 2026 season less than two weeks away, he has lifted them to another milestone, this time off the pitch.
The Herons are Major League Soccer’s most valuable franchise.
Sportico reported Tuesday that Miami is valued at $1.45 billion, a 22% increase from last year and $50 million more than Los Angeles FC. It marks the first time in the five years of Sportico’s MLS valuations that LAFC have not ranked No. 1.
Though second, LAFC still posted a 9% year over year increase to $1.4 billion. The Black and Gold employ Son Heung-min, one of the league’s most popular international stars. Messi and Son are the two highest-paid players in MLS.
While that is good news for Miami and Los Angeles, the leaguewide economics may raise some concern. The bottom 12 teams in valuation saw their values rise by an average of just 2% from 2025. Three clubs, the San Jose Earthquakes, Vancouver Whitecaps and CF Montreal, declined in value, according to the report.
The Whitecaps reached the MLS Cup final last year behind German veteran Thomas Müller.
Sportico valued all clubs, including real estate and football-related businesses owned by club owners such as NWSL franchises, at a combined $23 billion.
San Diego FC, the league’s newest club entering its second season, is valued at $765 million, ranking 10th in MLS.
The MLS season kicks off Feb. 21, highlighted by Miami’s visit to LAFC. The match was moved to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to accommodate increased demand.
Barcelona head to Madrid on Thursday night with silverware on their mind and history on their side.
The defending Copa del Rey champions face Atletico Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in the first leg of a heavyweight semifinal, a clash that once again throws two of Spain’s fiercest rivals into a high-stakes knockout duel.
Kickoff is set for 9:00 p.m. CET before nearly 70,000 supporters in one of the country’s most unforgiving arenas.
The return leg will unfold at Spotify Camp Nou between March 3 and 5, with the winner advancing to the final in Seville on April 18-19.
For Atletico, the memory is still fresh.
Last season Barcelona ended their cup run at this exact stage.
A chaotic 4-4 draw in the first leg was followed by a narrow 1-0 defeat in Catalonia, a result that propelled Barcelona toward the trophy and deepened Simeone’s frustration.
The Argentine now has another shot at disrupting Barça’s rhythm.
Atletico’s route to the semifinal was emphatic.
A 5-0 dismantling of Real Betis in the quarterfinals showcased their full range, aggressive pressing, ruthless transitions and clinical finishing.
Yet the same Betis side handed them a 1-0 La Liga defeat days later, underlining the inconsistency that has crept into their campaign.
With just two wins in their last five matches across all competitions and sitting third in La Liga, 13 points behind Barcelona, the domestic cup has taken on added weight.
Simeone’s blueprint is clear. Compact lines, physical midfield battles and sharp counterattacks aimed at exploiting space behind Barcelona’s high defensive line. Set pieces could also prove decisive, an area where Atletico traditionally thrive in knockout football.
Barcelona, however, arrive in commanding form. Hansi Flick’s side have won six consecutive matches in all competitions, scoring at least twice in each outing.
Their 3-0 victory over Mallorca was not only comfortable but controlled, with Robert Lewandowski leading the line efficiently and Lamine Yamal continuing to mature into a decisive presence on the wing. Marc Bernal’s composure in midfield added balance to a team that looks increasingly synchronized.
The numbers reinforce their authority. Barcelona top La Liga with 58 points from 23 matches, owning the division’s most potent attack with 63 goals scored while conceding only 23.
They have already lifted the Spanish Super Cup and progressed to the Champions League last 16, fueling talk of a genuine treble push.
Yet selection questions linger. Raphinha remains out with a thigh injury, depriving Flick of pace and directness on the flank. Frenkie de Jong is doubtful with a groin issue, while Pedri and Gavi continue their recoveries.
Andreas Christensen is sidelined long term. The depth of Barcelona’s squad will be tested in a tie where fine margins often decide outcomes.
Atletico have their own concerns. Pablo Barrios is unavailable with a thigh problem, Johnny Cardoso is out with a muscle injury, and Nicolas Gonzalez is managing physical discomfort.
Marc Pubill could return after illness, offering Simeone an additional option in a defense likely to be under sustained pressure.
Psychology also plays its part. Barcelona have won the last three meetings between the sides, a run that strengthens belief inside Flick’s camp.
Atletico, meanwhile, are motivated by the chance to halt that trend and shift momentum before traveling to Catalonia for the decisive second leg.
Galatasaray will convene its regular February meeting of the board on Wednesday, Feb. 11, as the club’s senior oversight body gathers to examine finances, sporting performance and governance matters at a key stage of the season.
The meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. local time at the Özhan Canaydın Conference Hall inside the Ali Sami Yen Sports Complex RAMS Park.
It is part of the club’s routine monthly governance process and brings together former presidents, long-serving members and senior figures who serve in an advisory and supervisory role between the general assembly and the board of directors.
Financial review
The main agenda item is the presentation and discussion of Galatasaray’s audited financial statements covering the first six months of the 2025-26 season, from June 1 to Nov. 30, 2025.
Prepared in line with Turkish Financial Reporting Standards and adjusted for inflation accounting, the reports reflect the consolidated performance of Galatasaray Sportif Sınai ve Ticari Yatırımlar A.Ş. (Galatasaray Sports, Industrial and Commercial Investments Inc.), the publicly listed company overseeing professional football operations.
According to recent disclosures on the Public Disclosure Platform, consolidated revenue for the period reached approximately TL 9.7 billion ($222.3 million), an increase of around 60 percent compared to the same period last season.
The group reported a net profit attributable to the parent company of roughly TL 1.4 billion, while shareholders’ equity stood near TL 15.35 billion.
Despite the strong headline figures, underlying pressures remain.
Analysts note that core football operations continue to face structural challenges, while total liabilities and borrowings remain high, around TL 11 billion, reflecting transfer spending, wage commitments and broader economic conditions in Türkiye.
Sporting and administrative activity report
Club executives will also present a comprehensive activity report covering both administrative and sporting developments during the period.
The presentation will include updates on performances in the Süper Lig, Turkish Cup and UEFA competitions, progress within the youth academy, results across other branches such as basketball and volleyball, as well as infrastructure projects and commercial initiatives.
Following these presentations, the club’s Audit Board will deliver its findings and opinions on the financial statements and activity reports, providing independent oversight and ensuring compliance with regulations and club statutes.
Board presidency election on the horizon
An additional and closely watched agenda item concerns the upcoming board presidency election, scheduled for March 14, 2026.
Potential candidates will be given the opportunity to address the assembly and outline their views and priorities ahead of the vote.
The role of board president is regarded as one of the most prestigious positions within Galatasaray, carrying significant influence in club oversight, mediation and the protection of institutional tradition.
Monthly meetings of the board are a cornerstone of governance at Galatasaray and other major Turkish clubs, promoting transparency, accountability and member participation.
The timing of this session is particularly significant as the club balances midseason sporting pressure with financial scrutiny linked to its publicly listed status.
Serena Williams took another step toward a possible return to professional tennis on Monday, with the sport’s drug-testing body listing her as eligible to compete again starting Feb. 22.
The move comes six months after the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion first registered with the International Tennis Integrity Agency.
Williams, now 44, appeared on the ITIA’s reinstatement page, a development first reported by Bounces.
What remains unclear is if, when or where Williams might step back onto the court and whether this milestone will lead to an actual comeback.
When it was revealed last year that Williams had signed up with the ITIA to return to the drug-testing pool, she wrote on social media: “OMG y’all, I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy.”
Her agent did not immediately return a request for comment Monday. Neither did a spokesperson for the WTA Tour.
Last year, when word emerged that Williams had made an initial move required for a return, U.S. Tennis Association spokesman Brendan McIntyre said: “If Serena decides to return and compete at the professional level, together with her fans, we will enthusiastically welcome the return of one of the greatest champions in the history of our sport.”
Williams, one of the greats of the game, has not competed since bidding farewell at the 2022 U.S. Open. At the time, she said she did not want to use the word “retiring” and instead declared that she was “evolving” away from tennis.
Athletes returning to testing must provide information on their whereabouts, including details on their location when they are not at an official event and times when they are available to give samples. Someone who retires while on the list and later returns must be available for testing for six months before being allowed to compete again.
Williams’ older sister, Venus, returned to competition last July at age 45 after nearly 1.5 years away from the tour. She had never announced her retirement. At the U.S. Open, Venus became the oldest player to compete in singles at the American Grand Slam tournament since 1981.
When Venus, a seven-time major singles champion, came back at the DC Open, she spoke about wishing Serena would join her on tour again. The sisters won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles together.
“I keep saying to my team, the only thing that would make this better is if she was here. We always did everything together, so of course I miss her,” Venus said at the time when asked about a social media video showing Serena swinging a racket. “But if she comes back, I’m sure she’ll let y’all know.”
Houston Rockets center Alperen Şengün said sharing good news with Türkiye means as much to him as the honor itself after earning his second straight NBA All-Star selection.
Speaking at the Rockets’ training facility, the 23-year-old described the back-to-back nod as a moment of pride not only for his career but for his country, especially during a difficult period back home.
“Recently, there have been earthquakes in Türkiye and very bad things have happened,” Şengün said. “That’s why I’m always happy to bring good news.”
Şengün emphasized the responsibility he feels representing Türkiye on the NBA’s biggest stage, calling it a source of motivation throughout the season. “I am proud to carry the name of Türkiye on my shoulders,” he said. “That’s great, my friend.”
Şengün was officially added to the 2026 NBA All-Star Game on Feb. 8 as an injury replacement for Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, with Commissioner Adam Silver naming him to Team World.
The selection makes Şengün the first Turkish player to earn consecutive All-Star appearances.
Mehmet Okur remains the only other Turkish player to be named an NBA All-Star, earning a single selection in 2007.
The Rockets’ center has backed up the honor with one of the most complete seasons of his young career.
Through 44 games, all starts, Şengün is averaging 20.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game while shooting 49.6% from the field.
His assist average is a career high and highlights his evolution into one of the league’s most versatile playmaking big men.
This season, he is one of only a handful of players averaging at least 20 points, nine rebounds, and six assists.
Şengün’s production has helped keep Houston competitive in the Western Conference and further cemented his status as a cornerstone of the franchise.
The 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend will be held Feb. 13 to Feb. 15 in Inglewood, California, with the 75th All-Star Game played Feb. 15 at the Intuit Dome, the new home of the Los Angeles Clippers.
This year’s event will debut a new USA vs. World format, featuring a round-robin tournament among three teams playing four 12-minute games. The All-Star Game will tip off at 5:00 p.m. ET and air on NBC and Peacock.
Rıza Kayaalp marked his long-awaited return to competition in emphatic fashion, capturing the Greco-Roman 130 kg. gold medal at the Zagreb Open and reminding the wrestling world why his name still carries weight at the very top of the sport.
The tournament in Croatia’s capital, part of United World Wrestling’s first Ranking Series event of 2026, was Kayaalp’s first official appearance in 610 days.
The 36-year-old Turkish heavyweight had not competed since June 2024, yet he looked untouched by the layoff, dominating every bout on his way to the title.
Kayaalp opened his campaign by overwhelming American Aden Ikaika Hammar Attao in the elimination round, winning 9-0 by technical superiority.
He followed with another lopsided victory in the quarterfinals, again posting a 9-0 technical fall against Georgia’s Rati Talikishvili.
The semifinals brought a sterner test, but Kayaalp remained in full control, shutting out Kazakhstan’s Olzhas Syrlybay 4-0 with disciplined defense and sharp work from par terre.
In Sunday’s final, he faced American Cohlton Michael Schultz and delivered a composed, authoritative performance, pulling away for a 7-1 victory to secure the gold medal.
Across four matches, Kayaalp conceded just one point.
The Zagreb Open also marked Kayaalp’s return following a doping case that sidelined him for much of 2024 and 2025. An out-of-competition test in May 2024 detected trimetazidine, a prohibited substance under World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules.
Kayaalp maintained the substance came from the prescribed medication Vastarel, which he used to treat severe tinnitus and related symptoms.
While an initial ruling imposed a four-year ban, the Court of Arbitration for Sport later reduced the sanction to 18 months, allowing him to resume competition on Jan. 1, 2026.
Kayaalp’s comeback adds another chapter to one of Greco-Roman wrestling’s most decorated careers.
He owns three Olympic medals, five world titles and a record 12 European championships, a mark he currently shares with Russian legend Aleksandr Karelin.
Gold at the 2026 European Wrestling Championships in April would make Kayaalp the most successful European champion in history.
Türkiye enjoyed a strong showing overall in Zagreb, finishing the event with three gold medals, one silver and one bronze.
Alongside Kayaalp, Yüksel Sarıçiçek and Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu claimed gold, while Nesrin Baş took silver and Ömer Halis Recep earned bronze.
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