Belgian great Meunier signs for Premier League side Sunderland

London: Veteran Belgian defender Thomas Meunier said he was "hugely excited" to "begin a new chapter" after he signed for Premier League side Sunderland on a free transfer on Wednesday.

The 34-year-old -- one of Belgium's 'golden generation' whose last hurrah was a World Cup quarter-final exit to Spain -- signed a two-year contract.

The 83-times capped Meunier, who has played club football at the top level in his homeland, Germany, Turkey and France, had been at Ligue 1 side Lille. tr-sport.click

"I am hugely excited and honoured to join Sunderland," said Meunier in a statement on the Sunderland website.

"I'm very happy to be here and to begin this new chapter in my career.

"The Premier League is one of the most competitive and exciting leagues in the world, and it's a challenge I've wanted to experience.

"When I spoke with the club, I was impressed by the ambition, the project and the desire to keep moving forward.

"Competing in Europe (the Europa League) was also a big factor in my decision because, as a player, you always want to test yourself against the best teams and compete for trophies."

Meunier, who won three Ligue 1 titles with Paris Saint-Germain during his spell there from 2016-2020, "brings a wealth of experience, leadership and professionalism", said Sunderland's director of football Florent Ghisolfi.

"Thomas is a player who understands what it takes to compete for success, and we're confident his mentality and character will have a positive influence on the squad," added Ghisolfi.

"We believe he'll make an important contribution on and off the pitch, and we're excited to see him begin this new chapter with us.

"It feels like a great fit."

Doha, Qatar: More than two decades after one of the greatest upsets in FIFA World Cup history, France and Senegal are set to renew acquaintances when they launch their Group I campaigns at the New York-New Jersey Stadium today.

For France, the memories are impossible to ignore.

Back in 2002, Les Bleus arrived in Seoul as reigning world and European champions and overwhelming favourites against World Cup debutants Senegal. Ninety minutes later, Papa Bouba Diop had written his name into football history with the only goal of the match as the fearless Lions of Teranga stunned France 1- 0 and sent the holders on a downward spiral that ended with a humiliating group-stage exit.

Twenty-four years later, the two nations meet again for only the second time, with Senegal still holding a perfect record in the fixture and carrying the confidence that history has already shown they are capable of upsetting one of football’s giants.

France arrive in the United States among the favourites to lift the trophy. Didier Deschamps’ side breezed through European qualifying and are aiming to reach a third consecutive World Cup final after winning the title in 2018 and finishing runners-up to Argentina in Qatar four years ago. Led by one of the few men to have won the World Cup as both a player and a coach, France possess an enviable blend of experience and attacking talent.

“I have a lot of top-quality players, but for many of them this will be their first World Cup. I’m not going to say that France is stronger than everyone else, but Spain is the clear favourite,” said Deschamps.

“This first match is very important,” said Deschamps. “Starting with a win in a four-team group is ideal; that’s always the aim going into the first match. Senegal are a very, very high-level opponent. We have the same expectations and the same respect as we do for other opponents, but I know Senegal’s potential,” he said.

France coach, Didier Deschamps

They have won four of their last five matches and are widely expected to challenge for top spot in Group I, which also features Norway and Iraq.

Senegal have established themselves as one of Africa’s leading forces and have shown they can compete with the world’s elite after reaching the Round of 16 in Qatar.

Although they are still recovering from the disappointment of losing the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations final to Morocco, Pape Thiaw’s side believe they boast enough quality to trouble any opponent.

Veteran forward Sadio Mane remains the team’s inspirational figure. The former Liverpool and Bayern Munich star enjoyed another productive campaign with Al Nassr, contributing 23 goals and assists while helping the Saudi club capture their first league title.

Alongside him, Nicolas Jackson and Iliman Ndiaye will ensure Senegal have plenty of attacking weapons capable of unsettling the French defence.

France, meanwhile, will once again look to Kylian Mbappe to lead the charge. The Real Madrid striker continues to rewrite records and enters his third World Cup within touching distance of becoming France’s all-time leading scorer. He is also climbing rapidly up the list of the competition’s greatest marksmen.

Les Bleus also possess one of the most feared attacks in the tournament, with in-form stars Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Desire Doue providing ample support for Mbappe, and are widely tipped to make another deep run.

World Cups have a habit of producing unforgettable moments and this latest chapter between France and Senegal promises to be one of the standout fixtures.

With Norway lurking in what many regard as a fiercely competitive Group I which also features Iraq, neither side can afford to make a false start.

Stourbridge, United Kingdom: As England gears up for the World Cup semi-final Wednesday, there will be one name on everyone's lips: Jude Bellingham, the star midfielder who powered the Three Lions through to the marquee clash against Argentina.

In packed stadiums in North America and pubs back home, people belt out the Beatles' "Hey Jude" and don t-shirts with slogans like "Bend it like Bellingham" -- a play on the iconic 2000s film "Bend it like Beckham".

But nowhere is the 23-year-old midfielder more feted than his hometown of Stourbridge, a quiet market town in central England, west of Birmingham.

Wheeling his bike past the town's shopping centre, retiree Keith Hall blows a kiss towards a superhero comic-style mural of Bellingham.

"He's a local lad," Hall told AFP, adding Bellingham "keeps in touch with his roots" despite now playing for Real Madrid.

Bellingham launched his football career playing for the Stourbridge Juniors, before joining Birmingham City's youth side and becoming the club's youngest first-team player.

"It doesn't surprise me that he's become an international sensation because he's the coolest man currently living," gushed grocery store worker Sam Holden, 21.

"Harry Kane obviously can kind of save us in our time of need, but Jude Bellingham can just take us to the heights that England absolutely are capable of reaching."

A regional railway company is offering passengers named "Jude" free travel in Stourbridge this week.

"We look forward to inviting Judes from across the region for a free ride on the Stourbridge Shuttle," said Jonny Wiseman from the West Midlands Railway.

The fever has spread beyond the area, known as Black Country, with a railway station in southeast London briefly renamed to "Jude Bellingham" station.

'King Jude'

In a pub in the village of Hagley near Stourbridge, Vienna Letts recalls the incredible atmosphere when Bellingham and England take to the field.

"Hagley is quite a niche, quiet community normally, but it's like we've all come into one space to just support Jude," said Letts.

"No one would have thought that a boy from Stourbridge could be the top scorer and England could be in the semifinals."

After two stunning goals against Norway on Saturday that fired England into the semis, Bellingham is tied with team captain Kane on six goals in the tournament.

A local shop displays a portrait of Bellingham in its window, and during an interview, a man walks past yelling "hail king Jude!"

In Birmingham, a mural has popped up showing the 23-year-old and teammate and fellow local Morgan Rogers eating local delicacy battered chips -- dipped in an orange batter and deep-fried.

"He's like a hero for other local people, local children, knowing (if) you work hard, you can meet your dreams," said Harpreet Basin, a 40-year-old teacher, visiting the mural.

Back in Stourbridge, tanning salon manager Jessica said she'd been hearing chants of "Hey Jude" around town during the World Cup.

"My children, they've now learned what that song is from it being sung at the football matches," said Jessica. "They (go) round the house singing it as well."

Bellingham appeared moved to tears after the England versus Norway game, when even football legend David Beckham joined the huge crowds serenading him with "Hey Jude" on Saturday in the Miami Stadium.

Dreaming of opening a gym is the easy part — figuring out exactly where your money needs to go is where most first-time fitness entrepreneurs get stuck. Understanding the true Cost of Opening a Gym in Qatar upfront is what separates a smooth launch from a budget crisis three months in.

Whether you’re planning a boutique studio in Doha or a full commercial fitness facility, every dirham needs a purpose — licensing, equipment, rent, staffing, and marketing all compete for your startup capital.

This guide breaks down every major cost category so you can build a realistic budget and avoid the financial surprises that derail so many first-time gym owners.

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Why Understanding the Cost of Opening a Gym in Qatar Matters

Too many aspiring gym owners fixate on equipment alone, only to discover licensing delays, unexpected fit-out costs, or thin marketing budgets stall their launch. Getting a realistic picture of the cost of opening a gym in Qatar from day one lets you plan financing properly and avoid mid-project scrambling.

Qatar’s fitness market is growing steadily, driven by rising health awareness and a diverse expat population — but that opportunity only pays off if your business plan is built on accurate cost assumptions rather than guesswork.

For a complete walkthrough of the entire setup process alongside costs, our commercial gym setup in Qatar guide covers layout planning, brand selection, and installation logistics in depth.

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Gym License Cost Qatar: The First Financial Hurdle

Before spending a single dirham on equipment, understanding gym license cost Qatar authorities require sets the foundation for your entire budget timeline.

Licensing-Related Costs to Budget For

• Commercial registration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry
• Municipality approval fees for your chosen premises
• Ministry of Public Health facility approval
• Civil defense (fire safety) clearance fees
• Legal or consultancy fees if using a business setup service

Licensing costs are often underestimated in early budgets — beyond the fees themselves, factor in the time delay (often 2-4 months), since rent may accrue before you’re legally able to open.

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Gym Setup Cost Qatar: The Big Picture Budget

Understanding overall gym setup cost Qatar entrepreneurs typically face requires looking at how major expense categories stack up against each other.

Major Cost Categories at a Glance

1. Commercial space (rent deposit, lease terms)
2. Interior fit-out (flooring, lighting, changing rooms, ventilation)
3. Equipment (usually the single largest expense)
4. Licensing and legal fees
5. Staffing and initial marketing

A mid-size commercial gym in Doha commonly requires a six-figure investment (QAR) once all these categories are combined — boutique studios can launch leaner, but every category still needs realistic budgeting.

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Gym Equipment Cost Qatar: Where Most of Your Budget Goes

For most gym owners, gym equipment cost Qatar facilities require represents the single largest line item in the entire startup budget.

Equipment Cost Considerations

• Cardio machines (treadmills, bikes, ellipticals) typically represent significant upfront investment
• Strength training equipment (racks, benches, free weights) scales with facility size
• Functional training equipment (kettlebells, battle ropes, plyo boxes) for CrossFit-style spaces
• Genuine manufacturer warranties matter more than upfront savings from grey-market imports

Our detailed guide on choosing a gym equipment supplier in Qatar explains exactly how to avoid overpaying for unauthorized imports while still securing quality machines within budget.

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Commercial Gym Equipment Price Qatar: Understanding the Range

Digging deeper into commercial gym equipment price Qatar facilities pay, costs vary dramatically depending on brand tier, quantity, and whether you’re outfitting a boutique studio or a full commercial floor.

What Affects Equipment Pricing

• Brand tier — premium international brands cost significantly more than budget alternatives
• New vs. refurbished — refurbished commercial equipment can reduce costs, though warranty coverage varies
• Quantity and variety — a full commercial floor with cardio, strength, and functional zones costs more than a specialized boutique setup
• Authorized distributorship — genuine warranty-backed equipment costs more upfront but reduces long-term maintenance risk

Exploring our commercial fitness equipment range early in your planning phase helps align equipment selection with your layout and budget simultaneously.

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Gym Interior Fit-Out Cost Qatar: Beyond Just Equipment

Many first-time owners forget to budget adequately for gym interior fit-out cost Qatar projects require before any equipment even arrives.

Fit-Out Cost Components

• Flooring (rubber tiles, rolled rubber, or specialized platform flooring)
• Changing rooms, showers, and restroom facilities
• Lighting, ventilation, and air conditioning upgrades
• Reception area and lounge space design

Flooring alone deserves careful budgeting given how much it affects both safety and long-term maintenance costs — our gym flooring guide for Qatar facilities breaks down thickness and material costs by training zone.

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Gym Rent Cost Doha: Location-Driven Budget Variable

Location significantly shapes your monthly overhead, making gym rent cost Doha entrepreneurs face one of the most variable line items in the entire budget.

Factors Affecting Rent

• Neighborhood (West Bay, The Pearl, Al Sadd, and Al Waab all carry different rate tiers)
• Total square footage required for your equipment and member capacity
• Ground floor vs. upper floor commercial space
• Parking availability, which affects both rent and member convenience

Popular, high-visibility areas command premium rent, but often justify the cost through higher foot traffic and easier member acquisition — balance this trade-off against your marketing budget.

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Boutique Fitness Studio Cost Qatar: A Leaner Alternative

For entrepreneurs not ready for a full commercial gym, understanding boutique fitness studio cost Qatar setups require offers a genuinely more accessible entry point.

Why Boutique Studios Cost Less

• Smaller footprint requires less rent and fit-out investment
• Specialized equipment needs (yoga, pilates, or CrossFit-style) are often narrower than full commercial gyms
• Lower staffing requirements initially
• Faster path to profitability with a focused, niche member base

Boutique studios remain one of the most practical entry points for first-time fitness entrepreneurs testing the Qatari market before committing to a larger facility.

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Personal Training Studio Setup Cost: The Leanest Option

For individual trainers going independent, understanding personal training studio setup cost requirements represents the most budget-friendly path into gym ownership.

What Personal Training Studios Typically Need

• A smaller, more focused equipment selection
• Minimal staffing (often just the trainer and perhaps one support role)
• Lower marketing budget, relying heavily on referrals and personal branding
• Flexible space options, including shared or sublet arrangements

This model suits certified trainers building a client base gradually, without the overhead of a full commercial facility from day one.

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Gym Staffing Cost Qatar: Budgeting for Your Team

Beyond the physical space and equipment, gym staffing cost Qatar facilities require significantly affects ongoing monthly overhead, not just startup investment.

Key Staffing Roles to Budget For

• Certified personal trainers and group class instructors
• Front desk and membership sales staff
• Cleaning and maintenance personnel
• Management or operations staff for larger facilities

Staffing costs scale directly with facility size and service offering — boutique studios may launch with a lean team, while full commercial gyms require more comprehensive staffing from day one.

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Gym Insurance Cost Qatar: Protecting Your Investment

Often overlooked in early budgeting, gym insurance cost Qatar facilities need protects both your business and your members from liability exposure.

Insurance Considerations

• General liability coverage for member injuries
• Equipment insurance covering damage or theft
• Property insurance for your fit-out investment
• Professional liability coverage for personal training services

Skipping adequate insurance coverage to save on startup costs is a false economy — a single liability claim without coverage can far exceed years of insurance premiums.

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Gym Marketing Budget Qatar: Launching With Visibility

Even the best-equipped gym fails without members walking through the door. Planning a realistic gym marketing budget Qatar businesses need for launch prevents the common mistake of running out of visibility funding right when you need it most.

Pre-Launch Marketing Priorities

1. Local SEO and Google Business Profile setup
2. Social media content showcasing your facility and trainers
3. Pre-launch membership offers to build early momentum
4. Corporate wellness partnership outreach

Budget for marketing as an ongoing monthly line item, not just a one-time pre-launch expense — consistent visibility matters more than a single big launch push.

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Small Gym vs Large Gym Cost Qatar: Making the Right Scale Decision

Understanding small gym vs large gym cost Qatar trade-offs helps you choose a facility size that matches your available capital and realistic member acquisition timeline.

Scale Comparison

Factor	Small/Boutique Gym	Large Commercial Gym
Startup investment	Lower	Significantly higher
Equipment variety	Focused, narrower	Full range across zones
Staffing needs	Minimal	Comprehensive team required
Member capacity	Limited	Higher volume potential
Break-even timeline	Often faster	Longer, but higher ceiling

Starting smaller and scaling based on proven demand often reduces financial risk compared to launching a large facility before validating your local market.

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Gym Franchise Investment Cost: An Alternative Path

For entrepreneurs preferring a proven business model, understanding gym franchise investment cost requirements offers a different risk-reward profile than building an independent gym from scratch.

Franchise Cost Considerations

• Franchise fees paid to the parent brand
• Standardized fit-out and equipment requirements set by the franchisor
• Ongoing royalty fees as a percentage of revenue
• Reduced flexibility in exchange for established brand recognition and support

Franchise investment typically requires higher upfront capital than an independent boutique studio, but offers built-in brand trust and operational systems that can reduce early-stage business risk.

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Fitness Center Investment Qatar: Planning for Long-Term Costs

Beyond initial setup, understanding fitness center investment Qatar owners need to sustain covers ongoing costs well beyond the opening day budget.

Ongoing Investment Considerations

• Regular equipment maintenance and servicing contracts
• Facility upgrades and equipment replacement over time
• Staff training and certification renewals
• Continued marketing investment to sustain membership growth

Our gym equipment annual maintenance contract guide explains why budgeting for preventive maintenance from day one prevents costly equipment breakdowns down the line.

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Gym Business Budget Qatar: Bringing It All Together

Pulling every category together, a realistic gym business budget Qatar entrepreneurs should build needs to account for both one-time startup costs and recurring monthly overhead.

Sample Budget Framework

1. One-time costs: Licensing, fit-out, equipment purchase, initial marketing
2. Monthly recurring costs: Rent, staffing salaries, utilities, insurance, ongoing marketing
3. Contingency buffer: 10-15% additional buffer for unexpected costs during setup

Building your budget with both categories clearly separated helps you understand not just what you need to launch, but what you need to sustain operations through the first several months before membership revenue stabilizes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the biggest single cost when opening a gym in Qatar?
Equipment typically represents the largest single expense category, though total costs also depend heavily on rent, fit-out, and licensing combined.

2. Is a boutique fitness studio significantly cheaper than a full commercial gym?
Yes, boutique studios generally require substantially less investment due to smaller space, narrower equipment needs, and leaner staffing requirements.

3. How long does the licensing process typically take in Qatar?
Most operators should budget 2-4 months for complete licensing, including Ministry of Public Health approval and civil defense clearance.

4. Should I buy new or refurbished gym equipment to save money?
Refurbished equipment can reduce upfront costs, but always verify warranty coverage and condition carefully, since unreliable equipment can cost more in repairs and member dissatisfaction over time.

5. How much should I budget for marketing before opening?
Budget marketing as an ongoing monthly expense rather than a single pre-launch cost — consistent visibility through local SEO, social media, and community engagement matters more than one large initial push.

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Final Thoughts

Understanding the true cost of opening a gym in Qatar — across licensing, equipment, fit-out, staffing, and marketing — is what separates entrepreneurs who launch confidently from those who run into budget surprises midway through setup. With realistic planning across every category, your fitness business can launch on solid financial footing.

Ready to plan your gym’s budget and equipment needs? Visit the Sports Village Qatar to explore our full range of commercial gym equipment and request a free consultation tailored to your budget and space.

Dallas, United States: Virgil van Dijk does not like them, fans have started booing them and the many critics say they are ruining the World Cup.
Hydration breaks last just a total of six minutes during a match, but they stand accused of fundamentally changing the nature of football at the sport's ultimate showpiece.

"Hydration breaks are a bit interesting," said Netherlands captain Van Dijk, whose side drew 2-2 with Japan in Texas on Sunday in an air-conditioned arena.

"I was watching almost all of the games up until today and every time going into a commercial is a bit... not really that I like it.

"I think for the neutral watchers on TV it's also not great."

Also Sunday, over at tournament co-host Mexico, spectators during Sweden's 5-1 thrashing of Tunisia in Monterrey made their disdain plain by booing loudly when the pause came in the first half.

Fans similarly jeered the break in Monday's game between Spain and Cape Verde in the air-conditioned arena in Atlanta.

The scheduled drinks breaks, not normally part of football, last three minutes each about midway through both halves of a game at the tournament in North America.

Football's world governing body FIFA says they are designed to protect player health and will be used at all World Cup games no matter where or what the weather.

So during the clash between the Netherlands and Japan, the game was halted even though the match was played in comfortable temperature-controlled conditions under a roof.

'Damaged for dollars'

During the first hydration break at the stadium usually home to the Dallas Cowboys, the NFL team's cheerleaders were shown performing on the giant screen that hovers over the centre of the pitch.

For people in the United States watching on television, broadcasters take the chance to cut away from the game and show commercials.

In American sports, there is nothing unusual in that.

But some critics have accused FIFA of greed, feeding into a narrative that has consistently dogged the tournament and its decision-makers.

The world governing body denies those accusations.

"This is the year when the game of two halves became the game of four quarters," prominent British football writer Henry Winter said.

"And the greatest sport and event was damaged for fistfuls of dollars."

In a warning that will send a chill down the spines of traditionalists, Winter warned that the stoppages -- and the chance for a money-spinning ad break -- could one day be rolled out everywhere.

In England, the BBC and ITV show World Cup matches but do not cut away from games during the stoppages.

"It's important that there is resistance to this from all over," he said.

"Because if we tolerate this, our TV games could be next."

Momentum shift

And then there is the effect on the natural flow of matches.

It might be just a coincidence, but several games have seen a noticeable shift in momentum from one team to the other immediately after a hydration break.

Because while the players are drinking, coaches understandably use it as a chance to change tactics or give out instructions if the game is not going their way.

Debutants Curacao levelled for 1-1 after 21 minutes against the mighty Germany on Sunday in Houston, another game played under a roof.

Then came the pause, and with it went any Curacao momentum, the Germans running out 7-1 winners.

Not everyone is against the drinks breaks, however, with Spain coach Luis de la Fuente saying player welfare was paramount.

"It is difficult to sustain that level of physical exertion for long periods and I believe those breaks offer a brief respite to recharge and continue competing well," he said.

But he also noted that, while some World Cup cities are experiencing fierce temperatures, it is not true across all venues, including some outside ones.

For example in Los Angeles this week temperatures are forecast to be about 15-28C.

Van Dijk said there should be flexibility.

"If it's really hot, obviously it would be good to put them (breaks) in," said the Liverpool defender.

"But I think you have to look at it in every game separately in my opinion."