KUALA LUMPUR — As the sun sets on another eventful year in the world of sports, 2023 leaves behind a mosaic of triumphs, heartbreaks, and controversies that have defined the global athletic landscape.
At Scoop, we have encapsulated the essence of this sporting journey by highlighting the noteworthy moments that have etched themselves into the annals of sporting history.
The Good
– Eighth Ballon d’Or for Lionel Messi –
In a dazzling display of football mastery, Messi secured his record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or, solidifying his status as the greatest football player of all time.
His stellar performance in the Qatar World Cup final, where he netted two crucial goals in the final, propelled him to this historic achievement.
Notably, his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo remained in the shadows as he was not nominated this year and stays in second place with five Ballon d’Ors.
– Fans rally for Palestine –
Beyond the confines of the field, the international sports community echoed the global call for justice in Palestine.
Fans from renowned football clubs like Liverpool and Osasuna expressed solidarity by displaying banners with messages of support and waving the Palestinian flag resonated in stadiums.
However, this noble act was not without consequences, as players like Algerian international Youcef Atal and Netherlands winger Anwar El Ghazi faced suspensions for their unwavering support.
– Napoli finally won Serie A since Maradona –
In a triumphant return to glory, Napoli clinched the Serie A crown, ending a 33-year-long championship drought.
Argentinian great Diego Maradona was the lynchpin who worked his magic to help the club win two league titles in 1987 and 1990.
Since then the club has been longing for a return to the summit of the league before Luciano Spaletti’s men did it with a record-equalling five games to spare.
The Bad
– Aussies break Indian hearts at the Cricket World Cup –
In the realm of cricket, Australia delivered a heartbreaking blow to India at the Cricket World Cup with a six-wicket victory in Ahmedabad.
Despite India’s unbeaten run in the group stages, their dreams of a home World Cup victory were dashed, leaving coach Rahul Dravid and his team distraught.
– Tennis tournament sportsmanship debacle –
The Hungarian Grand Prix tennis tournament in July witnessed a poor show of sportsmanship, causing China’s Zhang Shuai to experience a panic attack.
At the claycourt event, her opponent’s home player, Amarissa Toth erased a mark of a disputed line call by kicking it away.
Zhang looked visibly distressed during the changeover and a physio was called to check on her before the world No 28 opted to retire.
The crowd booed the Chinese player for her retirement, but Toth was quickly panned by fellow players for her conduct with Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic posting “Absolutely disgusting behaviour” on her X, formerly Twitter, account.
– FIA’s ‘Wolff’ hunt –
The International Automobile Federation’s (FIA) investigation into a potential conflict of interest centred on the Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and his wife Susie added a layer of controversy to Formula One.
Susie is the managing director of the F1 Academy – the all-female series run by Formula One’s (F1) owners, Formula One Management (FOM).
Allegations surfaced that Wolff had inside information sourced from FOM, prompting an inquiry.
However, F1 teams denied the complaint, supporting Susie, who responded with a strong rebuke against claims “rooted in intimidation and misogyny”.
The FIA then abruptly dropped their investigation.
– Former F1 boss admits to tax fraud –
Former Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone pleaded guilty to misleading the United Kingdom’s tax authority about overseas assets worth more than £400 million (RM2.3 billion).
Ecclestone was handed a 17-month prison sentence suspended for two years, meaning he will only go to jail if he commits another criminal offence during that time.
– Liverpool forward’s parents kidnapped –
The family of Colombian winger Luis Diaz faced a harrowing ordeal when his parents were snatched off the streets at gunpoint by four men on October 28.
Though his mother Cilenis Marulanda was freed shortly after the kidnapping, his father Luis ‘Mane’ Diaz remained in captivity for almost two weeks before their emotional reunion, casting a shadow over the footballer’s personal life.
The Ugly
– Sandro Tonali betting scandal –
In the summer transfer window, Newcastle spent £55 million (RM 324.6 million) to pry midfielder Sandro Tonali from AC Milan. The 23-year-old is one of the hottest young talents in Italian football.
In October, he was handed a 10-month ban from football for betting on AC Milan matches during his time with the Serie A side.
He must also attend treatment sessions for problem gamblers and give a series of talks about his experience over a further eight-month period as part of his deal with Italian authorities.
– Two-time Grand Slam winner’s four-year doping ban –
Romanian tennis star Simona Halep received a four-year ban after testing positive for Roxadustat, a banned substance.
The French Open and Wimbledon winner has appealed the decision, seeking redress from the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
– Spanish FA kissing scandal –
Spain’s FIFA Women’s World Cup win was marred by Spanish Football Association boss Luis Rubiales’ unsolicited kiss on player Jenni Hermoso.
Rubiales was defiant over the kiss, which has been condemned as unwanted by Hermoso, her teammates, and the Spanish government.
He refused to resign from his position, leading FIFA to intervene with a three-year ban.
– Antony under scrutiny over alleged abuse of ex-girlfriend –
The Manchester United winger was dropped by Brazil after allegations emerged that he assaulted his ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavalin, allegations he later denied on television.
Manchester United had delayed his return to the team so he could address the allegation and ultimately welcomed the former Ajax player into their starting line-up with police investigations ongoing.
As we reflect on these diverse chapters, 2023 stands as a testament to the multifaceted nature of sports—a canvas painted with moments of glory, challenges, and resilience that define the spirit of athletes and fans alike. — November 16, 2023