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MADRID — Rafael Nadal said on  Wednesday he is unsure if he will be ready to return to action in Doha next week after he withdrew from the Australian Open with a muscle tear.

The Spaniard missed most of last year with a hip injury sustained in Melbourne but made his comeback at the Brisbane International in the lead-up to this year’s Australian Open.

However, a small muscle tear forced the 38-year-old to pull out of the season’s first Grand Slam.

“It’s going to be very tight for Doha. I’ve had some discomfort these past few weeks and I’m a bit on the limit,” Nadal said in an interview with La Sexta television that will be broadcast in full later Wednesday.

“At this point every blow I take, every injury, is a setback not only in tennis and physically, but also mentally.”

The 22-time Grand Slam winner is far more optimistic about playing in Indian Wells, the year’s first Masters 1000 event which runs from March 6-17 in the California desert.

“I am 100 per cent confident of being in Indian Wells, it’s a very special tournament for me. I don’t know if it’s going to be the last time I play in it, so I would like to be in Indian Wells, for sure.”

Nadal was named on the entry list last month for the Qatar Open, to be held February 19-24.

“I would love to be in Doha, what I know is that it’s cutting it fine. I see the decision for Doha more at the last minute. I will travel to Indian Wells for sure if there is nothing wrong,” he said.

Nadal reiterated that his “main goal is to try to get to the clay season as healthy as possible, to at least give me the chance to enjoy this part of the season”, which the Spaniard has dominated in his career.

He has won a record 14 French Open titles and holds an astonishing 112-3 win-loss record at Roland Garros.

Nadal won two matches in Brisbane in January after a year on the sidelines but felt pain in his upper left thigh during a quarter-final loss to Jordan Thompson.

Abidjan — Ivory Coast coach Emerse Fae toasted his team of “miracle survivors” after the host country completed one of the greatest turnarounds in major tournament history to win the Africa Cup of Nations by beating Nigeria 2-1 in Sunday’s final.

“It is more than a fairytale. I am struggling to take it all in,” Fae said after Ivory Coast recovered from behind at half-time at the Ebimpe Olympic Stadium to win thanks to goals by Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller.

“When I think about all we have been through, we are miracle survivors.

“We never gave up and we managed to come back from so many tough blows.”

Sunday’s victory before an official attendance of over 57,000 in Abidjan allowed the Elephants to win their third continental title.

They are the first host country to win the Cup of Nations since Egypt in 2006, and yet they very nearly went out in the group stage.

The Ivorians lost 1-0 to Nigeria in their second match before losing 4-0 to Equatorial Guinea, their heaviest-ever home defeat.

That made them the first AFCON hosts in 40 years to lose two group games and cost coach Jean-Louis Gasset his job.

However, they squeezed into the last 16 as the last of the four best third-placed teams, with former player Fae taking over on an interim basis.

Ivory Coast beat holders Senegal on penalties in the last 16 after equalising late in normal time.

They beat Mali 2-1 in the quarter-finals with a winner in extra time, having been reduced to 10 men in the first half and trailing into the 90th minute.

That was followed by a 1-0 victory against the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the semi-finals, before another comeback win in the final.

‘Second chance’

“All our games were difficult. We kept having to come from behind and we really had to draw on all our physical and mental reserves,” observed Fae, who turned 40 on the day he became coach.

“I can’t properly express my joy. It is massive. I dreamed of winning the AFCON as a player and didn’t manage it,” added Fae, who played in the side beaten by Egypt in the 2006 final.

“Now I have had the opportunity as a coach, albeit in strange circumstances.

“I took over when we were not even sure of getting out of our group. It was a strange birthday but thankfully we got a second chance and grabbed it.”

The story of Haller’s own tournament was remarkable too, with the Borussia Dortmund striker scoring the winner in the semi-final and the final.

He was almost substituted moments before turning in Simon Adingra’s cross for the clinching goal in the final.

“We dreamt of this moment so many times,” an emotional Haller told French broadcaster beIN Sports.

“These scenes of joy, the country deserves this too.

“We kept believing until the end. My teammates pushed me to stay on the pitch for as long as possible and thanks to them I scored.”

Haller played no part in the group stage because of an ankle injury suffered in December, and did not start a game until the semi-final.

“It was one of my main goals to give everything I could at the AFCON,” he said.

“I was lucky to be here. Now we can say it, they were telling me six to eight weeks with my injury, so based on that today could have been my first match.

“My ankle still isn’t fully healed, but it was OK for today.”

PARIS — Aleksander Ceferin said he would not seek a fourth term as UEFA president in 2027 despite the approval of controversial reforms that would allow him to extend his mandate.

“I decided around six months ago that I’m not planning to run in 2027 anymore,” the 56-year-old Slovenian lawyer said at a press conference following the UEFA Congress in Paris.

“The reason is that after some time, every organisation needs fresh blood, but mainly because I was away from my family for seven years now.”

Ceferin also said he was “tired of COVID, tired of two wars” and of plans for a rival Super League that he called a “nonsense project”.

His surprise announcement came shortly after UEFA member nations voted overwhelmingly in favour of a series of statute amendments, including a measure that would have let Ceferin potentially stay in his role until 2031.

“I intentionally didn’t want to disclose my thoughts before, because firstly, I wanted to see the real face of some people and I saw it,” said Ceferin, first elected in 2016 following the downfall of Frenchman Michel Platini.

“I didn’t want to influence the Congress. I wanted them to decide [on the statutes] not knowing what I’m telling you today.”

The key amendment passed does not erase the three-term limit but stipulates that terms of office started or served before July 1, 2017, shall not be taken into account.

The rule was introduced by Ceferin that year as an anti-corruption move in the wake of the FIFA scandal. He said the need to change the existing legislation stemmed from the fact it had not been properly implemented at the time.

Ceferin was reelected unopposed for a third term last April, just weeks after Gianni Infantino was relected as president of the sport’s world governing body FIFA.

However, his suggestion he could run for a fourth term, which arose during an executive meeting in December, prompted UEFA’s chief of football Zvonimir Boban to resign last month.

The former Croatia midfielder, who was part of AC Milan’s successful sides in the 1990s, called it a “disastrous idea”.

Ceferin took a parting shot at Boban, formerly a close ally, criticising his “narcissistic whining” and “pathetic cry about morality”.

The motion comfortably received the two-thirds majority required during Thursday’s vote, with England the lone dissenting voice among the 55 member nations. Ukraine abstained.

‘Strength in unity’ 

Ceferin hit back at claims that his organisation, which has had to fight off the threat of the breakaway Super League, was crumbling under his leadership.

“UEFA is divided I’ve read, UEFA is fragmented beyond repair I’ve read. I hope that, I’m probably naive, the ones who claim that are a bit embarrassed now after this vote,” he said.

Among a number of other statute changes voted for as a block of measures, which the English FA also opposed, was a proposal guaranteeing greater female representation on UEFA’s ruling executive committee.

An age limit of 70 for all members of that committee was repealed as well.

Twenty-six European countries signed a joint declaration Thursday voicing their opposition to the Super League, although Spain was a notable absentee from that list.

Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona are still publicly attached to the project, which sent shockwaves through the sport when 12 of its biggest clubs announced they had signed up to the competition in April 2021.

However, within 48 hours nine of the 12 rebel clubs — including six from the English Premier League — backed down and the project collapsed.

Ceferin took another swipe at those behind the Super League as he addressed the Congress, likening it to “Snow White’s poisoned apple”.

“There is strength in unity, and unity is the only thing that can save us,” said Ceferin.

“Today, a few individuals are trying to divide us in the name of the free market, driven by an insatiable desire to generate ever-increasing profits for the privileged few.

“I know some supporters are critical about us, about FIFA, which is normal. Anti-institution and anti-establishment sentiment is rife.

“But we take it on the chin. Because we know what we stand for. We stand for an ideal; a fragile balance between opposing interests. And that comes at a price.”

AMMAN — The 2023 Asian Cup comes to a close on Saturday, and Jordan is playing the final!

Not even the most optimistic of fans would have thought the Kingdom’s team will make it this far through after a rough, inconsistent preparation period.

Now, all eyes are on Jordan’s squad, dubbed “Al Nashama” as they face reigning Asian Cup champs and hosts Qatar on Saturday in the final match, hoping to be crowned the continent’s champs for the first time in history.

FIFA 87th ranked Jordan ousted two-time Asian champs, world’s 23rd ranked Korea 2-0 in the semifinals, while 58th ranked Qatar fought off three time champs 21st ranked Iran 3-2 to book a final spot.

Jordan has now played five times at the Asian Cup with their previous best past performance reaching the quarterfinals in 2004 and 2011.

Observers, ex-players and coaches point out to the leadership and tactics of Moroccan coach Hussein Amouta in steering Jordan through to the advanced position combined with the concerted effort of Jordan’s top stars which enabled the squad to steadily gain confidence in the event. Most players became household names overnight.

Jordan will have Salem Ajaleen and Ali Alwan, who missed the semis due to bookings, joins stars Mousa Ta’mari, Yazan Nue’imat, Yazan al-Arab and as well as goalie Yazeed Abu Laila in trying to write history for Jordan

In Round 1, the team finished 3rd in Group E after they lost 1-0 to Bahrain, tied  Korea 2-2, and scored a 4-0 win over Malaysia.  In the  Round of 16, Jordan came from 2-1 down to beat 2007 champs Iraq 3-2 in the final minutes of the match. The turning point came when they beat 103rd ranked Tajikistan 1-0 in the quarterfinals, and made it to the semis  for the first time in their fifth participation. 

Coach Amouta told a post-match press conference “It was a team effort. The determined efforts of players, improving match by match, and our steadfast aim to win and not to fear any opponents was vital in getting us here. Results depend on performance, ” Amouta said.

The coach, who took over the job in summer was criticised for his choice of lineup and winless results in friendlies. However, he seems to have a masterplan for for an advanced placement in regional and international competitions while striving to revamp the team and create a competitive lineup for the future. 

Assistant coach Abdullah Abu Zam’eh underlined the coach’s expertise which allowed the team “to become a competitive Asian team”.

“It was a tough journey, but the squad slowly gained confidence and believed that advanced positions can be achieved.” Abu Zam’eh added. “I’m lucky to be learning by working alongside someone like him,” Jordan’s U23 team coach added.

It is Jordan’s fifth time as the Asian Cup since  1972. In the 2004 edition, Jordan reached the quarterfinals and lost to Japan after tying 1-1, squandering a 3–1 lead in the penalties, before losing 3–4. Japan eventually went on to win the title and Jordan jumped to the best ever FIFA rank of 37th. Jordan also reached the quarterfinals in 2011 when they lost to Uzbekistan. 

In 2015, they exited the group stages and in 2019 they made it to the Round of 16 losing to Vietnam on penalties. The current edition was delayed from 2023 to 2024 taking into account the weather in the Arab Gulf region.

Japan is a record four time Asian Cup champions. Among Arab countries, Saudi Arabia won three times while, Kuwait, Qatar and Iraq won once each. Iran won three times, South Korea twice and Australia and Israel once. The latter was later expelled from the AFC in 1974 and joined UEFA. The champions will receive $5 million, the runners-up $3 million, and the losing semifinalists $1 million. All 24 participating teams will also receive $200,000.

Jordan’s results have boosted team confidence and fan morale as they also prepare to resume Group G qualifiers for the World Cup 2026. In two matches played in November 2023, Jordan held Tajikistan 1-1 and lost 2-0 to Saudi Arabia.

NEW YORK — On the first anniversary of his trade to Dallas, Kyrie Irving returned to Brooklyn on Wednesday and showed his old team what they had lost with 36 points as the Mavericks beat the Nets 119-107.

With Luka Doncic putting up 35 points, 18 rebounds and nine assists, the Mavs dominated as they improved to 28-23 on the season while Brooklyn slipped to 20-30.

Irving, who returned from a six-game injury absence in Monday’s win at Philadelphia and Doncic, who shed a protective mask for his nose injury, said it was great to have the eight-time All Star back.

“We are just dangerous when we are both aggressive, I think we did a great job, we are just trying to get healthy and get everyone back,” he said.

The Mavs are still without the injured pair of Dereck Lively and Dante Exum but Doncic said the back-to-back wins bode well for when the team returns to full health.

“We haven’t really played healthy. It is tough to play on the road, I think we did a great job both games, sharing the ball,” he said.

Irving received some jeers from the home crowd in Brooklyn but had already reached 16 points early in the second quarter.

He silenced the crowd with a stunning dunk in the third quarter from an alley-oop to give the Mavs a 74-52 lead.

Irving was 6-of-10 from outside the arc, including two key three-pointers to stop a spell of momentum from the Nets in the fourth.

Dallas continue their road trip against the Knicks on Wednesday.

The Knicks head into that game on the back of a 123-113 win over the Memphis Grizzlies but may be without point guard Jalen Brunson.

Brunson scored 27 points and provided eight assists before he picked up what seemed to be an ankle injury when he was fouled with 5:31 left.

The short-handed Knicks, without Julius Randle and OG Anunoby, had been cruising after going in 70-46 up at the half but allowed the Grizzlies to score nine 3-pointers in the fourth to get within four points with two minutes to go.

But New York were able to rally and see out the win to the relief of head coach Tom Thibodeau.

“Second half our defence wasn’t very good, they shot threes, we didn’t challenge, they made them. But getting the win is the most important thing, just finding a way to win,” he said.

Donte DiVincenzo top-scored for New York with 32 points.

Last year’s beaten finalists Miami have struggled at home of late, winning just one of their last six games in South Florida, but they were too much for state rivals Orlando as they ran out 121-95 winners.

The Heat had seven players put up double figures in the game with Jimmy Butler top scoring with 23 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.

Miami’s defence was also strong, limiting their opponents to 43.8 percent shooting from the field and 10-of-35 from outside the arc.

“The grit on the defensive end, I think we brought tremendous energy from the beginning,” said forward Caleb Martin.

“I like how we were sharing the ball and trusting one another out there,” he added.

Pascal Siakam scored 29 points as the Indiana Pacers improved to 29-23 with a 132-129 win over the Houston Rockets.

AMMAN/DOHA — After 90 minutes of gruelling match, Jordan managed to overcome a persistent South Korean team and The Nashama (The Chivalrous Ones) booked the place in the final of the AFC Asian Cup in Doha. Although the underdog before the tournament, Jordan outsmarted Jurgen Klinsmann’s squad and contained South Korean attack. 

Jordan's forward Yazan Al Naimat scored his third goal of the tournament in 53minute by neatly lobbing the ball over keeper Jo to break the deadlock. 

Things became more complicated for the Korean side when Mousa Al Tamari doubled the Jordanian lead by slicing the ball beyond Jo’s reach.

The match was played in front of majority Jordanian crowd of 43,000 at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, a 2022 World Cup venue.

Ecstatic fans would jeer, whistle and distract Korean players each time they would touch the ball being the 12th player of the Jordanian national team.

South Korean side will have to wait for another chance to clinch the Asian cup and the drought from 1960 will go on. After Tuesday’s historic victory, Jordan will wait the winner of the second semifinal matchup between Qatar and Iran which is scheduled for Wednesday. 

The final will be held on February 10th in Doha.

His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to congratulate the national football team (The Nashama) and the Jordanian people on qualifying for the Asian Cup finals.

“The Nashama, you’ve got it. You have made us proud! Congratulations to you and all Jordanians for reaching the Asian finals. The Jordanian flag has always been flying high with the spirit and determination of its people. May God bless the Nashama”, the King tweeted in Arabic.

Queen also congratulated the national team and said, ”Inshallah, you win the cup. You made us proud.”

On his Instagram account Crown Prince congratulated The Nashama for their historic achievement. “You wrote history and achieved glory.”