New whisky concept inspired by Sir Kenny Dalglish

Former Liverpool and Scotland striker Kenny Dalglish is the inspiration for a new whisky concept.

Distilllers Gordon & MacPhail have partnered with Sir Kenny for the inaugural release of a a venture called Vintage Moments.

The Elgin-based whisky producer will release the first collection in October 2026, with just 15 of Dalglish’s Vintage Moments by Gordon & MacPhail Whiskies box sets available to purchase.

The new initiative centres on creating bespoke collections of five ultra-rare single malt Scotch whiskies distilled in years that correspond with significant moments in an individual’s life, the drinks business reports.

Gordon & MacPhail said a small number of private clients will be given the opportunity each year to sample single malts and select five whiskies linked to pivotal years in their own personal histories.

Each whisky will hand-drawn from cask and bottled at cask strength, with Gordon & MacPhail describing each bottling as “the only expression of each particular single malt that will ever exist”.

To launch the concept, Gordon & MacPhail worked with Dalglish to curate five rare single malt Scotch whiskies distilled in years linked to landmark moments in his life.

Dalglish, who was born in 1951, is regarded as one of the greatest strikers in post-war British football and remains one of Celtic’s, Liverpool’s and Scotland’s most admired figures.

Image: Sir Kenny Dalglish, Gordon & MacPhail

Land of the Fee makes life difficult for African soccer fans

The United States seems determined to make life as difficult as possible for soccer fans from "unfriendly" countries hoping to attend the World Cup.

In addition to sky high ticket prices and inflated transport costs, there are also issues over visas and visa bonds.

Fans from five African nations this week got a potential $US15,000 saving - provided they are already in possession of match tickets.

The Trump administration confirmed that ticket-holding supporters from Algeria, Cape Verde, Cote d'Ivoire, Senegal and Tunisia will now be exempt from the outrageous requirement to post a bond before entering the "land of the fee".

The five were among 50 countries included in the requirement, which is intended to reduce visa overstays and was part of a wider immigration crackdown (apparently focused on black folk) by the White House.

But African fans planning a trip to a tournament spread across the US, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19 still neede to have plenty of cash.

"We are waiving visa bonds for qualified fans who bought World Cup tickets," US assistant secretary of state for consular affairs Mora Namdar said in a media statement.

But in order to have the bond requirement waived, ticket holders from affected countries must have registered with the online FIFA Pass system by April 15. If not, tough luck.

Travellers from Cote d'Ivoire and Senegal are targeted. Those who did not secure their visas before December will not be granted entry to the US.

BBC Sport Africa also reported that some Ghanaians have been denied US entry visas.

Image: Cote d'Ivoire fans

Singapore Airlines has a treat for football lovers

Love your football? Flying during the World Cup later this year?

Singapore Airlines (SIA) says it has you covered.

Customers will be able to enjoy the action from the FIFA World Cup 2026 from June 11 to July 19 with the airline showing the matches live via Sport 24 on its KrisWorld Live TV system.

Football fans will be able to watch all the action in real time.

"Bringing the excitement of the FIFA World Cup on board keeps our customers connected to one of the world’s biggest sporting events at 30,000 feet," says Yeoh Phee Teik, senior vice president for customer experience at Singapore Airlines. .

"These live football matches complement our KrisWorld line-up, and reflect our commitment to continuously enhance the Singapore Airlines in-flight experience and offerings."

KrisWorld Live TV keeps customers connected to major global sporting events via Sport 24, as well as news and business updates via BBC News.

It is available on all SIA Boeing 787-10 and Boeing 737-8 aircraft, as well as 41 Airbus A350-900 and eight Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. 

Live broadcasts are, however, subject to satellite coverage, broadcaster arrangements, and regulatory approvals on selected routes.

Real Madrid opens a theme park in an unlikely destination

Football is the world's biggest sport by a considerable margin, and everyone loves a theme park.

No surprise then that Spanish giants Real Madrid, known for their excellent as well as their petulance, has signed up with Dubai Parks and Resorts to open the world's first football club theme park in Dubai.

The United Arab Emirates facility spans six hectares (the equivalent of six football pitches like the Santiago Bernabéu, a press release tells us helpfully) and features over 40 experiences, including the Middle East's first and only wooden roller coaster.

The opening event was attended by Emilio Butragueño, Real Madrid's director of institutional relations - he used to be be known as a striker - and Roberto Carlos, the club's ambassador, previously known as a full back. 

The two club legends were shown around the facilities and took part in a clinic with more than 100 children from the Real Madrid Foundation on a football pitch located inside the park.

“We are absolutely convinced that visitors to this theme park will immediately feel the excitement and enthusiasm that our badge and our shirt convey," said Butragueno, reading from a carefully scripted statement.

"Here we bring to life a very important and beloved part of our history, stemming from the emotions and dreams of Real Madrid fans."

Fernando Eiroa, CEO of Dubai Holding Entertainment, said: “Real Madrid World is more than just a theme park - it is a celebration of football.

"This is an exciting addition to Dubai's entertainment panorama with new experiences that are fully inclusive, educational and fun for everyone.”

One of the attractions, which sounds bewilderingly underwhelming, sees fans having their photo taken with life-size figures of several legendary players. 

There is nothing like a photo with a not-very-convincing wax model of Cristiano Ronaldo (above).

Messi cashes in with controversial sponsorship deals

There is no doubt that Lionel Messi is one of the finest footballers of all time. 

Messi has starred for Barcelona, Paris St Germain and Argentina, earning multiple trophies, including winning the World Cup in 2022, in which he won a record second Golden Ball, scored seven goals including two in the final, and broke the record for most games played at the World Cup (26)..

But as Messi's career winds down with a spell at Inter Miami, he is raking in money from sponsorships.

Fresh from christening the world’s largest cruise ship, Messi is now fronting the latest Saudi Arabia tourism campaign, which critics say contrasts with his work as UNICEF Goodwill ambassador. 

Messi recently christened Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, which has been slammed for its size given the cruise industry's long-term goals of sustainability.

Messi, a Saudi Tourism Ambassador on a deal reportedly worth $US25 million, is also the face of the ‘Go Beyond What You Think’ campaign, which is being launched in key target markets in Europe, India and China.

The campaign aims to dispel what is says are misconceptions about Saudi as a destination, and about its culture.

Visitors and Saudi residents are encouraged to share positive experiences and memories on TikTok and social channels using the bi-lingual hashtags #ShareYourSaudi ( #السعودية_بعيون .)

The latest spot in the ‘Saudi Welcome to Arabia’ barnd campaign will air on TV, social, digital channels and OTA activations over a three-month period, Travel Mole reports.

The message is to encourage travellers to "e open-minded to new cultures and destinations, holding an open heart while travelling".

The video showcases Saudi’s diverse locations and terrain and a number of high-profile female achievers are featured including the Saudi women’s national football team and Rayyanah Barnawi, the first Saudi woman in space.

But human rights organisation Amnesty International says: "The reality for people living in Saudi Arabia, is one where their basic human rights are ignored, their freedoms are restricted and punishment is severe."

Messi and his teammates at Inter Miami are in the country to play two games against Saudi clubs this week.   

Sponsorships push the boundaries of good sense

Money 1, Good Taste 0 

Sponsorship is a necessary evil in the world of sport, but sometimes companies push just a little too hard.

For instance, the Red Bull-owned Scuderia AlphaTauri Formula One team will be renamed Visa Cash App RB for the 2024 season.

It's hard to imagine even the fiercest of fans cheering on a team with such an absurd name.

And Visa Cash App RB is the third different name for the former Minardi team in the past six seasons, following Toro Rosso and Alpha Tauri.

Visa will apparently be a global partner for both the senior Red Bull Racing team and its little brother.

Visa Cash App RB will reveal its new look for the 2024 season at a launch event in Las Vegas on February 8 featuring drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda with the promise of a “newly designed Visa and Cash App-inspired car livery”.

In another sponsorship-driven move the Sauber racing team will now be known as Stake F1 team: named after the sponsor: a cryptocurrency-based gambling company. Wonder how winemaker/driver Valtteri Bottas feels about that?

Red Bull is also responsible for naming football teams its sponsors like RB Liepzig and RB Salzburg, but naming teams for sponsors is fortunaely banned in many countries.
Some of absurd exceptions to that rule have included the hilarious Insurance Management Bears in the Bahamas, Prima Ham FC in Japan (now thankfully renamed as the slightly less absurd Mito Hollyhock), and Botswana Meat Commission FC in Botswana.

How low can we go? 

The Messi Burger is getting even louder

The very loud Hard Rock Cafe fast-food chain has enjoyed success with its partnership with renowned Paris St Germain and Argentina soccer star Lionel Messi.

Earlier this year, the Hard Rock chain released a Messi Burger.

It obviously sold well, because it is now releasing a new Champion's Edition burger - and a massive swag of Messi/Hard Rock memorabilia and leisurewear.

The Champion's Edition now features three complimentary dipping sauces: aioli, Latin chili and "Messi's favourite" chimichurri.

"It is an honour to continue our partnership with world-renowned soccer star Lionel Messi, and take the Live Greatness campaign to the next level with the Messi Burger Champion's Edition," says hugely enthusiastic Anibal Fernandez, senior vice president of Cafe Division, Hard Rock International (great job title Anibal!).

"We couldn't be more excited to help Hard Rock and Messi fans get in on the action and they are going to love the new sauces, each of which complements the Messi Burger in its own unique way."

The Messi Burger launched in March 2022 featuring a double stack of beef patties, toppings including provolone cheese, sliced chorizo, caramelized red onion and sauce served on a toasted brioche bun with shredded romaine lettuce and vine-ripened tomato.

Plus, just in time for the World Cup (a brilliant money making opportunity for everyone) the brand is releasing a new retail collection including hoodies, baseball caps and T-Shirts available for purchase at Hard Rock Cafe locations worldwide.

All merchandise from the collaboration between Hard Rock and Lionel Messi is available in stores and online.

The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy is flat out

With just over a month until the Bugger Human Rights World Cup kicks off in Qatar, the quaintly named Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy is in full cry.

It reported ticket sales for the 2022 tournament are approaching 3 million as the countdown continues to the World Cup tournament, which will kick off at Al Bayt Stadium on November 20.

During a press conference in Doha this week, organisers announced a further 30,000 rooms had been made available to World Cup visitors - something they might have thought about when they planned for the event.

Qatar will stage 64 matches at eight "state-of-the-art" stadiums during the event.

Accommodation is apparently available from the Qatar Accommodation Agency and rooms can be booked from $80 per person, per night based on two-person occupancy.

Accommodation options include hotels, apartments, cruise ships and fan villages.

"We have always said that Qatar will deliver the best ever edition of the FIFA World Cup," said the impossibly positive FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

"And as you look around the country today, at the state-of-the-art stadiums, the training pitches, the metro, the wider infrastructure, everything is ready and everyone is welcome."

Except maybe members of the LBGTQI+ community and the many slaves (sorry, guest workers), who died during stadium construction.

"The world [meaning FIFA and its many sponsors] is excited. Qatar is ready. The stage is set. Together, we will deliver the best World Cup ever on and off the field."

So the man is a fortune teller.

Eng. Yasir Al Jamal, director general for that Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, said: "After more than a decade of hard work and close collaboration with stakeholders across the country, Qatar stands ready to host a memorable edition of the FIFA World Cup. 

"The compact nature of our tournament means visitors will never be far from the action - always close to a stadium or entertainment activation. We look forward to hosting a tournament that will live long in the memory for fans from across the globe."

Further information about Qatar's additional cultural and entertainment fan destinations can be found at www.qatar2022.qa/en/live-it-all-in-qatar.

How to combine a cruise experience with the World Cup

Heading for the World Cup in Qatar, but struggling to find accommodation?

How about combining a cruise experience with the football?

MSC Cruises has announced that MSC Opera will become a cruise ship hotel in Doha, working in cooperation with Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy.

The ship will be berthed ready to welcome visitors in the port from November 19 through to December 19, joining MSC World Europa and MSC Poesia during this period.

This new accommodation opportunity for football fans and visitors to Doha can be booked for a minimum of two nights through MSC Cruises Australia here or by calling the MSC Cruises Contact Centre on 1300 028 502.

MSC Opera is described as offering "elegant comfort and unique hospitality with a variety of lounges and entertainment venues".

It also has a range of restaurants, a spa, gym, swimming pools and whirlpools located throughout the ship’s nine decks.

For more information visit msccruises.com.au

# I have cruised with MSC and found it a pleasurable experience.

Why you need to see this famous artwork now

One of Britain's most iconic works of art is under potential threat of being removed from public view.

LS Lowry's Going To The Match is currently on display at the superb The Lowry, a theatre and gallery complex at Salford Quays in Manchester - a venue that is well worth a visit for anyone in town.

It is on loan from The Players Foundation (PF), the Professional Footballers' Association charity, which intends to auction the painting next month to raise money for its charitable works.

Salford's mayor has called on the "footballing community" to fund the purchase of the painting - valued at £8 million ($13.3 million AUD) so it can remain on public display, The Fiver online newsletter reported.

It has been loaning the 1953 work to the arts centre.

Salford Mayor Paul Dennett said "finding £8m-plus wouldn't be too difficult" for the area's footballers.

The PF said the financial crisis meant it had to sell "in the interests of our beneficiaries" as it "no longer has any income guaranteed, so we have had to completely reposition".

The work shows fans on their way to Bolton's former ground Burnden Park (a cold, bleak place, trust me).

"Wouldn't it be truly tragic if this iconic LS Lowry painting... was sold to a private collector and ceased to be free to access by people here in the City of Salford as it has been for the past 22 years?" Dunnett said.

"I'd like to make a personal plea for the footballing community here in Greater Manchester to look at retaining this painting for the people of Greater Manchester.

"There's a lot of money in that community, so finding £8m-plus wouldn't be too difficult."

Lowry, who died in 1976, spent much of his life in Salford and his work is strongly associated with the city.

The work will be auctioned at Christie's in London on October 19.

A trip to the football with Eric Cantona?

Fancy a few days away with a trip to the football as the highlight?

Former Manchester United and France star Eric Cantona is hoping to shake up the sports tourism market with a new range of tours, Travel Mole reports.

Cantona has launched Looking FC, featuring a selection of football trips for fans to experience around the world in partnership with travel start-up Dharma.

"Our idea was to create the most passionate football trips on earth, with charisma and soul," Cantona said. "Everything today is optimised for price - we wanted to optimise for passion."

Based on the Looking For documentary series produced by Cantona and his brothers, each four-day trip is crafted by Cantona himself.

The trips all culminate with a game day experience at iconic stadiums for major matches.

In the lead up to the games, trips will feature experiences such as "chant workshops" with fans, street walks with historians, and tactics briefings with leading journalists.

"These trips are for those who still believe in passion and want to go deeper into their love of football," Cantona said.

"Once-in-a-lifetime trips -feel the history and live the noise."

Manchester (United), Buenos Aires (Boca Juniors), Liverpool (Liverpool), Milan (Inter Milan), Madrid (Real Madrid), Barcelona (Barca), Paris (PSG), Lisbon (Sporting Club), and Casablanca (Raja) are the nine trips that will be featured this season.

They will take in fixtures including a Liverpool v Manchester United game at Anfield, a Real Madrid v FC Barcelona El Classico and a PSG v Marseille match.

Looking FC has also announced that 1% of its revenue will go to supporting the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals Initiative and all trips will be are carbon offset through Thrust Carbon.