Semifinal A: OLYMPIACOS PIRAEUS – FENERBAHCE BEKO ISTANBUL will tip-off at 18:00 local time (15:00 GMT)

Semifinal B: VALENCIA BASKET – REAL MADRID will tip-off at 21:00 local time (18:00 GMT)

Olympiacos Piraeus vs. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul

Tip-off: 18:00 local time (15:00 GMT)
The opening semifinal promises an electric atmosphere as Greek giants Olympiacos face Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul. With passionate fanbases and championship pedigree on both sides, this matchup could become one of the defining games of the season.

Semifinal B
Valencia Basket vs. Real Madrid
Tip-off: 21:00 local time (18:00 GMT)
The second semifinal features an all-Spanish showdown between Valencia Basket and Real Madrid. Valencia continues its rise among Europe’s elite, while Real Madrid enters the Final Four once again carrying its unmatched legacy and championship expectations.

Athens Ready for Europe’s Biggest Basketball Weekend

The 2026 EuroLeague Final Four Athens presented by Etihad is expected to draw thousands of fans from across the continent, transforming the city into the center of European basketball for the weekend. With high-profile rivalries, elite talent, and a championship berth on the line, the semifinal night on 22 May promises drama, intensity, and unforgettable moments on the road to the EuroLeague title.

The first female presenter of UEFA Champions League broadcasts

Murati made history in her country as the first female presenter to host UEFA Champions League broadcasts. For more than a decade, she has been a key figure of prime-time programming on Tring TV. This success earned her the nickname “Champions Girl,” which has since evolved into a strong personal brand.

More than just a sports presenter

What sets Eva Murati apart is not only her on-screen success. With a background in law, she brings analytical depth to her communication style. Her ability to convey the atmosphere of matches, the excitement of the crowd, and the emotional rhythm of the game places her beyond traditional sports presenting, representing a modern and dynamic narrative approach.

In addition to sports broadcasting, Murati has also appeared in culture and entertainment programs, making her a symbol of a multifaceted success story for Balkan youth.

A powerful figure in the digital age

Murati’s influence extends far beyond television. With over 1.4 million followers on Instagram and a total digital reach exceeding 2 million, she stands out as a powerful figure in the new media landscape. Her social media presence reaches millions, transforming her into not just a presenter but also a regional media phenomenon.

A bridge between journalism and diplomacy

The Euro-Mediterranean Journalism Awards aim to strengthen dialogue and cooperation among countries in the region while promoting accurate and responsible journalism. In an increasingly complex global communication environment, the role of media in maintaining intercultural balance has become more critical than ever.

With numerous diplomatic representatives expected to attend, this year’s ceremony will once again highlight the strategic importance of journalism in international dialogue. The event will be hosted by RAI journalist Roberto Ammendola.

A success story from the Balkans to Europe

Eva Murati’s rise represents not only an individual career achievement but also the transformation of the Balkan media landscape. Her journey from local screens to international recognition continues to inspire a new generation of journalists. With the prestigious ceremony taking place in Rome on May 4, Murati is set to make her mark once again on the Euro-Mediterranean media stage.

If you want, I can also make it more “news agency style” (shorter, punchier) or adapt it for a specific outlet like Reuters/AP tone.

Fans once again responded in massive numbers, reaffirming the immense global anticipation for European basketball’s premier event. The speed at which each sales phase sold out highlights the unmatched appeal of the Final Four, as fans from across Europe and beyond secured their place in Athens for the season’s ultimate showdown.

With demand consistently exceeding supply throughout all four sales phases, the 2026 edition is set to be one of the most sought-after Final Fours in EuroLeague history.

Fans are encouraged to stay tuned to official EuroLeague channels for any further updates or information regarding the event.

In statements to the European press, Musa described himself as “a London-born Turkish Cypriot strength athlete,” emphasizing that his achievement carries great personal meaning as well as significance for his community.

90-day continuous strength challenge

Musa’s record-breaking program was as follows:

• Days 1–60: 300 kg farmer’s walk every day
• Days 61–90: 220 kg squat every day
• Total: 90 consecutive days with no rest days

The athlete described the process as “a continuous and extremely intense test of strength,” saying he constantly pushed himself beyond his limits.

Musa stated:

“With this major strength challenge I recently completed, I achieved a world record. The challenge had such a big impact that the Islington Tribune covered it.”

“As a Turkish Cypriot athlete, it is a great honour for me to represent the Turkish community in London.”

Strongman career

Musa, who began strength sports six years ago, says he has been involved in sports since childhood and was raised by a father with a professional boxing background. He is currently taking a break from his career to prepare for professional strongman competitions.

Musa’s story is being seen as a notable achievement in both endurance sports and for Turkish Cypriot diaspora athletes.

According to a formal message delivered on behalf of USSI President Gianfranco Coppola, Erdoğan’s work was described as extending beyond sport, encompassing a broader cultural mission that connects heritage with universal values. Coppola emphasized that in an increasingly globalized world, traditional sports play a key role in maintaining societies’ links to their past, preserving rituals, lifestyles, and collective memory.

The message further underlined that initiatives such as Etnospor contribute not only to the sporting landscape but also to strengthening intercultural understanding and reinforcing shared human values. Coppola, who was unable to attend the forum due to official commitments, expressed support for the event and voiced confidence that future projects under the “Ethnosports 2027” vision would further expand international cooperation.

The plaque was formally presented on Coppola’s behalf by Dündar Kesaplı, who has roles in international relations within the Italian Sports Press Union.

Organizers and participants at the Antalya forum framed the gathering as more than a sporting event, describing it as a platform where culture, identity, and heritage intersect. Traditional sports were highlighted as instruments not only of physical activity but also of cultural expression and continuity, with proponents arguing they can serve as bridges between generations and across societies.

The recognition comes amid broader efforts by cultural and sports organizations to elevate traditional and indigenous sports onto the international stage, positioning them alongside mainstream sporting disciplines while preserving their distinct historical and social significance.

Dündar Keşaplı is a Turkish journalist and international sports media figure who has been based in Italy for many years. He works as a correspondent for TRT Spor and A Spor, covering sports and cultural topics. Keşaplı is recognized for his efforts in fostering intercultural communication, building bridges between Mediterranean and European communities, and promoting dialogue through media. He has also been honored for his contributions to cultural and sports communication, highlighting his role in strengthening understanding between institutions, journalists, and societies.

Montella: “We Are Ready to Face Europe’s Best”

Speaking after the draw, Turkey’s head coach Vincenzo Montella expressed his satisfaction at competing against strong opponents. “First of all, we are happy to be facing some of the best teams in Europe,” Montella said, emphasizing that it is natural for League A to feature high-intensity and highly competitive matches.

The Italian coach described the competition as an important test and development opportunity for Turkey, adding that facing Italy carries special emotional significance for him personally.

Montella also referred to the crucial upcoming match against Romania, stating, “These kinds of matches are almost like finals. Being physically and mentally at our best will be decisive.”

The experienced manager concluded his remarks by saying, “We believe in ourselves. We know we need to perform at the highest level, and we are preparing accordingly.”

The first ticket sales phase opened on February 11 at 10:00 CET and, within less than 5 minutes, overwhelming demand exhausted the entire allocation.

Fans who were unable to secure tickets during Phase 1 will still have multiple opportunities to attend European basketball’s premier event. The second public ticket sales phase will open on February 26 at 10:00 CET. The third phase will tip off on March 17 at 10:00 CEST, coinciding with the conclusion of the Regular Season, as ten teams remain in the race for a Final Four spot. The final sales phase will begin on April 20 at 10: 00 CEST, strategically positioned between the end of the Play-In Showdown and the start of the Playoffs series.

Each ticket sales phase will feature a limited allocation across multiple price categories, offering fans several opportunities to purchase tickets and ensuring broader access to the event.

Additionally, Euroleague Basketball will open a special sales window on Wednesday, February 11 at 17:00 CET for fans who experienced technical issues that prevented them from completing their ticket purchase during February 10th general public pre-sale window.

All affected fans will receive an email before the special general public ticket sale window opens containing an updated link, along with a personal and non-transferable code granting access to this special sales window.

Please note that fans who purchase tickets in one sales phase will not be eligible to participate in subsequent sales phases.

Euroleague Basketball sincerely apologizes for the inconvenience and confirms that this special window will ensure a fair and equal purchasing process for all eligible fans.

The 2026 EuroLeague Final Four semifinals will be played on Friday, May 22, at 18:00 and 21:00 local time (17:00 and 20:00 CEST). On Sunday, May 24, the adidas NextGen EuroLeague Championship Game will tip off at 18:00 local time (17:00 CEST), while the season will culminate with the Championship Game, at 21:00 local time (20:00 CEST), when a new EuroLeague champion will be crowned.

All ticketing details for the 2026 EuroLeague Final Four Athens presented by Etihad are available at https://euroleaguef4tickets.com/en/

Bueno, 56, was unanimously elected by the Euroleague Commercial Assets (ECA) Board of Directors and will succeed Paulius Motiejunas, who was named CEO in June 2022. Chus Bueno will lead Euroleague Basketball’s overall strategy, with a strong focus on business growth, enhancing the game and fan experience, and expanding into new markets and audiences, while maximizing the value delivered to clubs, partners, players and fans. His mandate is to continue building on the success achieved over the past 25 seasons and to further position the EuroLeague, the BKT EuroCup and the NextGen EuroLeague as the undisputed premier basketball competitions in Europe.

Bueno brings more than 30 years of experience and strategic leadership within the professional sports ecosystem. His career has been closely linked to basketball, both on and off the court. He made his professional playing debut with FC Barcelona during the 1988–89 season and went on to compete for eight seasons with five additional clubs, including Atlético de Madrid and Valencia Basket. Following his retirement as a player, Bueno transitioned into executive and management roles within the basketball industry.

He began his off-court career at the Spanish Basketball Players Association (ABP) before joining the Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB) in 2006 as Executive Director. During his tenure, the Spanish National Team experienced one of the most successful periods in its history, winning the 2006 FIBA World Championship and the 2009 EuroBasket, as well as earning silver medals at the 2008 Olympic Games and the 2007 EuroBasket.

Bueno later joined the National Basketball Association (NBA), where he served as Vice President, Europe, Africa and Middle East, and Managing Director of NBA Spain. After 12 years with the NBA, he moved to Legends, the global leader in venue management and hospitality, where he was Managing Director of the company’s Iberian operations.

Most recently, Bueno led the creation and development of the basketball vertical at DAZN, the global sports OTT platform, further reinforcing his expertise in media, digital transformation, and fan engagement within the modern sports landscape.

The clubs would like to express their gratitude to Paulius Motiejunas for his service, commitment and dedication during his tenure. Under his guidance, the organization has achieved important milestones and continuous growth that have helped strengthen its position within the basketball ecosystem. The ECA Board of Directors, on behalf of all Euroleague Basketball clubs wish him every success in his future professional endeavors.

The Board of Directors remains fully committed to Euroleague Basketball’s mission of promoting excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth across European basketball.

Organisers said Keşaplı was honoured for his reporting, interviews and analysis that have helped bring Italian sport to international audiences, particularly in the run-up to the Milan–Cortina Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, set to take place in February.

Speaking at the ceremony, Keşaplı described sport as “a universal language that goes beyond competition” and highlighted the role of international media in shaping global understanding.

He said the Milan–Cortina Games would present Italy to the world not only through sport, but also through its culture, sustainability goals and winter sports heritage.

The two-day summit brought together leading figures from sport and journalism, including Paralympic champion Martina Caironi, former Juventus and AC Milan footballer Marco Borriello, European record-holder Filippo Tortu, Italian Coaches Association president Renzo Ulivieri, and Giancarlo Antonioni, a member of Italy’s 1982 World Cup-winning team.

The event focused on the future of sports journalism and the growing role of international media ahead of major global sporting events.

Despite Kendrick Nunn of Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens posting the highest PIR of the round (40), his team lost 82-87 at home to archrival Olympiacos Piraeus. Nunn scored 32 points on 8-of-8 two-pointers, 3-of-8 three-pointers, and 7-of-7 free throws, adding 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals and 6 fouls drawn.

Nadir Hifi of Paris Basketball recorded a PIR of 30 in his team's 94-89 road loss against LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, scoring 26 points. Hifi also added 4 rebounds, 7 assists and 10 fouls drawn.

Other top individual performances in Round 19 include Nick Weiler-Babb of Anadolu Efes Istanbul with a PIR of 28, as well as Jordan Nwora of Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade, David McCormack of FC Bayern Munich and Nikola Milutinov of Olympiacos, each with a PIR of 27. Weiler-Babb had 17 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 5 steals and 4 fouls drawn in Efes’s 65-87 defeat to Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade, a game that saw Nwora post 24 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and 2 fouls drawn for the visitors. McCormack amassed 18 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 8 fouls drawn as Bayern beat Maccabi 95-71, while Milutinov recorded 10 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block and 4 fouls drawn in Olympiacos’s 82-87 win at Panathinaikos in the Greek derby.

Individual highs: Kendrick Nunn, Panathinaikos, 32 points

Kendrick Nunn of Panathinaikos was the top scorer of the round with 32 points. Nadir Hifi of Paris currently leads the competition in scoring with an average of 20.0 points per game.

Three players grabbed 9 rebounds in Round 19: Sasha Vezenkov of Olympiacos, his teammate Nikola Milutinov, and Mbaye Ndiaye of ASVEL. Milutinov and Chima Moneke of Crvena Zvezda are tied for the lead in rebounds per game, each averaging 7.7.

Codi Miller-McIntyre of Crvena Zvezda dished out 9 assists, the most of anyone in Round 19. McKinley Wright of Dubai Basketball leads the EuroLeague in assists this season, averaging 6.9 per game.

Nick Weiler-Babb of Efes recorded 5 steals, leading the category for Round 19. Alpha Diallo of AS Monaco is currently ranked first overall with 1.7 steals per game.

Walter Tavares of Real Madrid had 4 blocks in this round. He also leads the league in blocks, averaging 2.1 per game.

There were no double-doubles in Round 19.

This partnership will harness the strength of Chelsea FC’s global footprint and worldwide fanbase to showcase Pegasus Airlines as it continues its expansion. Together, the two organisations will collaborate across key international markets, delivering innovative campaigns and experiences for supporters and customers around the world.

Pegasus Airlines Chief Commercial Officer, Onur Dedeköylü, said: “We are proud to partner with Chelsea FC, one of the most recognised and followed teams in the world of sport, with a truly global fanbase that mirrors our own international reach. The United Kingdom is also an important market for us, with services to five destinations and further growth planned. This partnership brings together two brands driven by ambition, energy and connection, and we look forward to working with Chelsea FC to create special campaigns and meaningful experiences for supporters and travellers alike.”

From Left to Right: Aki Mandhar – CEO of Chelsea FC Women, Onur Dedeköylü – CCO of Pegasus, Ahmet Bağdat – CMO of Pegasus, Todd Kline – President, Commercial of Chelsea FC

Speaking on the partnership, Oliver Boden, Partnership Sales Director for Chelsea Football Club, added: “Pegasus Airlines’ progress in recent years speaks for itself, their vision to transform the aviation industry and unlock the possibility of travel to so many is inspiring. The expansion of their fleet underlines the scale of their aspirations. We are proud to partner with Pegasus at this exciting time, to support them in the next stage of their journey and build a unique partnership together.”

Leandro Petersen, AFA’s Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer, highlighted the importance of strategic planning and professional management in the federation’s growth. “We’re not only focused on football results, but on building a global brand with identity, values, and a clear expansion strategy,” Petersen explained.

World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez also attended, emphasizing the unique global connection between Argentine football and its fans. “The passion for our team knows no borders. Every jersey worn worldwide represents a shared identity,” he said.

Brand Finance revealed AFA’s value in the global sports market and highlighted the association’s strong sponsorship network, which positions it as the federation with the most global sponsors. Genius Sports joined the event to discuss the role of data, technology, and innovation in commercial growth.

The event, held with the support of Arsenal FC, demonstrated AFA’s commitment to global visibility and strategic partnerships, projecting Argentine football onto the world stage with a strong, sustainable commercial model.

Karolis Lukošiūnas led the way off the bench, knocking down five-of-six from beyond the arc for 15 points, repeatedly punishing defensive breakdowns and halting Surrey momentum.

“I know why I’m on the court — to shoot open shots and tough shots,” said Lukošiūnas. “I’m happy my teammates found me, and I was able to make those shots.”

Aaryn Rai chipped in 14 points, while Ethan Price was a steady interior presence with 13 points and six rebounds. Tarik Phillip calmly controlled the closing stages, finishing with 14 points and six assists.

Kino Lilly Jr. led a balanced Surrey starting unit with 22 points. The rest of the starting group — Isaiah Small, Michael Graham, Owen Koonce, and Ronald Polite III — also reached double figures. Despite that collective output, the 89ers’ bench contributed just nine points, limiting their ability to sustain runs late.

London established early rhythm through crisp pick-and-roll execution, highlighted by a Chasson Randle and Ethan Price connection for a dunk followed by a defensive shot-clock violation on the other end.

After Surrey endured an early scoring drought, Koonce sparked the visitors with two quick threes, but the Lions responded with strong perimeter shooting and pace, closing the first quarter ahead 27–19.

The period also marked the return of Shavar Reynolds Jr., back on the floor after seven weeks out.

The Lions built a 35–20 second-quarter lead through interior scoring before settling after a Surrey push to carry a 48–40 halftime advantage.

Surrey raised the intensity after halftime, trimming the deficit to 65–61 despite another timely three from Karolis Lukošiūnas.

The 89ers pulled within one midway through the fourth, but a poster from Deane Williams and a late three from Aaryn Rai helped London close out the 87–83 win.

On the defensive end, Lukošiūnas pointed to the collective effort while stressing the need for greater consistency.

“Just find ways to get stops,” he said. “Some things may happen that shouldn’t, but staying solid and helping each other defensively is what matters.”

The Lions now turn their attention to Wednesday night, returning to the Copper Box Arena to host EuroCup leaders Beşiktaş Gain Istanbul.

International Mediterranean Excellence Award: The “Oscar of the Mediterranean,” a Bridge Between Cultures, Sports, and Solidarity

Prestigious Patronages

The 2025 edition received the Patronage of the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Sports and Youth, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (Farnesina), as well as the support of CONI, USSI (Italian Sports Press Union), and AIPS Europe (International Sports Press Association).

These institutional recognitions confirm the growing importance of the Award as a platform for encounter among cultures, experiences, and diverse expressions, united by a shared vision of cooperation and progress throughout the Mediterranean area.

An Event of International Scope

The ceremony took place in Rome, in the evocative Sala Spadolini of the Ministry of Culture, attended by prominent figures from over twelve Mediterranean countries, including diplomats, ambassadors, consuls, sports executives, artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, and journalists.

Among the distinguished guests were Enas Mekkawy, Ambassador of the League of Arab States to Italy and the Vatican, numerous ambassadors and consuls from Mediterranean nations, and the Vice President of the Italian Supreme Court of Cassation. Their participation gave the event a strong symbolic value as a place of intercultural dialogue and cultural diplomacy.

Special Award “Luciano Pavarotti” In Memoriam

A particularly emotional moment came with the presentation of the Special “Luciano Pavarotti” Award In Memoriam, established to honor the legendary Italian tenor — a universal symbol of art, humanity, and dialogue among peoples.

The award was received by Nicoletta Mantovani Pavarotti, the Maestro’s widow, who sent a heartfelt message of gratitude, recalling Luciano Pavarotti’s lifelong commitment to spreading a message of peace, solidarity, and universal brotherhood through music.
Through this tribute, the Award sought to remember Pavarotti as a true ambassador of Italian culture worldwide and as a voice capable of uniting people beyond all borders.

The 2025 Honorees

Sports and International Diplomacy:
Servet Yardımcı – UEFA Executive Committee Member (Turkey);
Giuseppe Manfredi – President, Italian Volleyball Federation;
Antonio Fantin, Edoardo Giordan & Monica Boggioni – Olympic and Paralympic champions of Fiamme Oro;
Valentina Giacinti – Galatasaray footballer, Mediterranean Sports Ambassador;
Luis Figo, José Mourinho & Kenan Yıldız – Icons of European and world football.

Culture, Art and Research:
Nicoletta Mantovani – President, Luciano Pavarotti Foundation;
Ignacio Peyró Jiménez – Director, Cervantes Institute of Rome (Spain);
Ilhem Sbaii Chaabane – Artist and professor (Tunisia);
Hania Harrati – Fashion designer (Morocco);
Jelena Medaković – Director, Belgrade City Museum (Serbia);
Olen Cesari – International musician (Albania);
Josep Solé Coll – Principal organist, Papal Basilica of St. Peter (Vatican/Spain).

Institutions, Justice and Social Commitment:
Marcello Viola – Chief Prosecutor of Milan;
Maiello Tammaro – Section President, Court of Auditors;
Martina Semenzato – MP, President of the Parliamentary Committee on Femicide;
Immacolata Scognamiglio – Superintendent, Italian State Police, Institutional Communication Office;
Wael Farouq – Professor of Arabic Language and Literature, Catholic University of Milan;
Gabriele Pao Pei Andreoli – President, IASC & LiDU Ethical, Representative of the Pontifical Academy of Theology (Vatican State).

Entrepreneurship and Solidarity:
Domenico Scialabba & Maria Pizzillo – Sicilian entrepreneurs in social tourism;
Amirouche Noureddine – President, Un Bastone per l’Africa (Algeria);
Petros Kattou – Specialist in neuromodulation medicine.

A Message of Unity and Hope

The International Mediterranean Excellence Award – the “Oscar of the Mediterranean” once again proved to be a laboratory of ideas and relationships, capable of connecting different worlds through a shared commitment to peace, solidarity, and the promotion of human talent.

“The Mediterranean is the cradle of civilization, but also the heart of the future,” said founder Dündar Kesaplı. “This award aims to build bridges among peoples and nations through culture, sport, and dialogue.”
With its third edition, the Award has consolidated its status as one of the most significant cultural platforms on the international scene, strengthening ties among nations that share the same sea, the same history, and the same hope for a common future.

Osimhen gave Galatasaray the lead after 16 minutes when French referee Clement Turpin adjudged that Dominik Szoboszlai had fouled Baris Alper Yilmaz.

The goal came just 17 seconds after former Tottenham Hotspur defender Davinson Sanchez had cleared off the line from Cody Gakpo.Slot introduced Salah and Alexander Isak just after the hour in an attempt to salvage something but it was to no avail. Liverpool thought they would get the chance to rescue a point when referee Turpin pointed to the spot after Ibrahima Konate went down, but the decision was overturned following a video assistant referee review.

Liverpool player ratings

Liverpool: Alisson (7); Szoboszlai (4), Konate (5), Van Dijk (6), Kerkez (5); Gravenberch (4), Jones (5), Wirtz (5); Frimpong (6), Ekitike (5), Gakpo (6)

Subs: Mamardashvilli (6), Salah (6), Isak (5), Bradley (6), Mac Allister (6)

Player of the Match: Baris Alper Yilmaz (Galatasaray)

Galatasaray    1    -    0    Liverpool

 Possession: Galatasaray 33%-67% Liverpool

Shots: 9-16

Shots on target: 4-4

Corners: 3-7

Touches in opposition box: 17-33

Kick-off at RAMS Park is scheduled for Tuesday, 8pm 

LIVERPOOL SQUAD v GALATASARAY: Alisson, Gomez, Endo, Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez, Wirtz, Szoboszlai, Isak, Mac Allister, Salah, Bradley, Jones, Gakpo, Ekitike, Mamardashvili, Robertson, Woodman, Frimpong, Gravenberch, Ngumoha.

 Federico Chiesa has not been selected by Liverpool for their Champions League clash against Galatasaray in Turkey on Tuesday evening. Chiesa took part in open training on Monday morning at the AXA Training Centre ahead of the flight out to Istanbul for the game on Tuesday.

Cabinet Member for Environment and Placemaking at Enfield Council, Cllr Sabri Ozaydin, said: “We are committed to investing in Enfield and we are overjoyed that private companies share our passion to build a stronger borough. This investment into our borough will bring jobs, new leisure facilities for local families and residents, and hopefully more domestic tourism. This is a fantastic facility coming to Enfield and will offer a unique attraction unlike any other borough in London.

“Our residents will benefit from this development as Surf London will lead to the improvement of the Lee Valley Leisure Complex, offering a new park for Enfield.”

The plans also include a new clubhouse with a café, shops and wellbeing areas, as well as brand new camping accommodation with play spaces.

For more details, you can view the full planning document on the Enfield Council website: https://governance.enfield.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=124&MId=15283

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin handed the award to Zlatan during the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League 36-team league phase draw ceremony in Monaco.

Zlatan Ibrahimović said: “To receive this award is a big honour, I want to thank the UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin for this. It means I did something in my career or else I wouldn't get it, I'm super happy. I was lucky to play with big players and big clubs. It made me the person I am today. I'm just grateful and thankful.”

Since 1998, UEFA's annual President's Award has acknowledged outstanding achievements that transcend the sport. At the start of each new European season, the UEFA President recognises professional excellence and exemplary personal qualities, on and off the field.

Two teams from each of the four pots, with one home and one away match against teams from each pot drawn by the software.

No teams from the same association drawn against each other.

No more than two opponents from the same association.

The same procedure will be repeated for all other teams until all pairings have been drawn.

The UEFA Champions League fixture list with match dates and kick-off times will be communicated no later than Saturday 30 August.

Brand-new show for UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League draws

The novelty this season is that the league phase draw of the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League will be combined into one special show for the first time – live from the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, streamlining the content and maximising the impact of both draws.

The newly combined UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League show will provide a brighter spotlight for both draws, creating a celebration of the teams aspiring to lift two of the game's most beautiful European trophies.

The event will take place at 13:00 on Friday 29 August, as clubs and their fans tune in to discover their opponents for the second season of the exciting new league phase.

The two draws will be made in a fully digital format working with the same digital technology already used last year to instantly draw opponents, allowing for a smooth, efficient and speedy draw process.

So what’s different in the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League draws?

Not the software: it is the same already in use. Thanks to its flexibility, the system can either draw opponents to all teams one after the other – as in the UEFA Champions League – or draw all pairings instantly with a single press of the button. The latter will be the case for UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League.

What will happen then?

One event, two draws: The UEFA Europa League draw will be followed by the UEFA Conference League draw, both taking place within the same ceremony.

Digital draw system: No physical balls are used on stage. The draw button is pressed once at the beginning of both draws, thus activating the random selection of opponents, including who plays at home and who plays away.

Reveal: After the software has conducted the full draw, the pairings and who plays each fixture home or away will be released progressively, pot after pot, starting with pot 1, thus maintaining suspense and clarity for viewers.

When will the match calendar be known?

The teams will know all their opponents by the end of the draws, however the fixture lists with match dates and kick-off times will be elaborated afterwards and communicated by Sunday 31 August at the latest.

Additional information

The draw software for all three competitions is provided by AE Live. Since their appointment in September 2023 as a partner for all UEFA draws, they have developed and tested the software and integrated with various internal and external mechanisms to check and verify the results with more than 1,000,000 simulations across various configurations per competition and it was used successfully during last season’s draws.The whole draw development was reviewed by an independent auditor, Ernst & Young, with particular regard to the randomness and compliance with the draw rules. Ernst & Young will also provide the review and control of the manual and digital draw operations on-site.UEFA.com will provide free live coverage of the draws on 28 and 29 August. Mark your calendars now! The new league phase draw procedures will be made available on UEFA.com the week of the draws.

DOWNLOAD THE CALENDAR HERE 

While the round-robin format remains, the expansion from 18 teams to 20 means that there will be 38 rounds in the regular season instead of 34. All teams will play each other twice – home and away. Once the regular season comes to a close, there is the Play-In Showdown, then the four best-of-five playoff series before the EuroLeague Final Four, which will see one team crowned as the 2025-26 EuroLeague champion.

EuroLeague newcomers Dubai Basketball and Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv will play their first-ever games in the competition at home in Round 1, with Dubai hosting Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade while Hapoel plays FC Barcelona. Elsewhere in Round 1, reigning champion Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul begins the defense of its crown against Paris Basketball, the team it swept in last season’s playoffs. Valencia Basket, back in the EuroLeague after a one-year absence, starts its campaign on the road at LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne before opening its brand-new Roig Arena against Virtus Bologna in Round 2.

The first-ever EuroLeague edition of the Israeli derby takes place in Round 3 as Hapoel faces Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv, then the Turkish derby comes around in Round 6 when Anadolu Efes Istanbul takes on cross-town rival Fenerbahce. El Clásico takes center stage in Round 9 when FC Barcelona hosts Real Madrid, before the Serbian derby sees Partizan and Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade go head to head at Belgrade Arena. The first round of 2026 pits Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens and Olympiacos Piraeus together at OAKA in Round 19.

After beginning Round 1 on Tuesday, September 30, the regular season comes to a close on Friday, April 17 with the conclusion of Round 38. The final standings will determine which six teams have guaranteed their spots in the playoffs and which four teams – those positioned seventh through 10th – will fight it out in the Play-In Showdown.

The Play-In games will be played on Tuesday, April 21 and Friday, April 24. The best-of-five playoff series will commence on Tuesday, April 28 and will end no later than Wednesday, May 13. The 2026 EuroLeague Final Four sees the semifinals take place on Friday, May 22 before the Championship Game is held on Sunday, May 24.

The good news for EuroLeague fans is that there is a minimum of 396 games in the 2025-26 season – and that number could rise if there are no sweeps in the playoffs. Start planning now and secure your tickets for what should be another incredible season of EuroLeague basketball, where EveryGameMatters.