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In a significant move for English football, Mo Salah, the renowned Egyptian forward, has officially announced a two-year contract extension with Liverpool FC, a club that currently leads the Premier League standings. This announcement is not only a personal triumph for Salah but also a notable boost for the Premier League, especially coming on the heels of Erling Haaland's recent contract renewal with Manchester City. Both Salah and Haaland are regarded as the league's premier international marketing figures, although some football enthusiasts might argue that Jean-Philippe Mateta is quickly closing the gap.

Salah, who had attracted interest from teams in Saudi Arabia, has solidified his position as a crucial player for Liverpool, and his performance has earned him recognition as one of the best in Premier League history. He is famously one of only three players to rank in the top ten for both goals and assists throughout the league's storied history. If youre aware of the other two players who share this notable distinction, we would love to hear from you!

As a brief note, Scoreboard will not be landing in your inbox next weekend as we take a break for the Easter holiday. Before we sign off, we encourage you to read our upcoming analysis regarding the increasing costs associated with watching high-level tennis. Furthermore, we will be diving into an epic confrontation between two of football's most powerful figures. Stay tuned for these engaging pieces Josh Noble, the sports editor.

Please share your tips and feedback with us at scoreboard@ft.com. If you arent already subscribed to our email newsletter, sign up here. For all our readers, lets continue on!

Kylian Mbapp Takes Legal Action Against Paris Saint-Germain

Kylian Mbapp had a whirlwind week, marked by both sporting and legal drama. His Real Madrid squad suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League. Just two days later, Mbapp's legal team intensified their efforts in a legal battle against his former club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), which is owned by Qatari interests.

This legal conflict seems to fit the classic narrative of 'player vs. club,' as Mbapp, who is 26, seeks to reclaim 55 million in wages and bonuses that he asserts are owed to him by PSG. However, this situation is far more complex, given Mbapp's superstar status as one of the world's top footballers, and PSGs position as one of the sport's most powerful entities.

Throughout his time at PSG, Mbapp has not merely been their star player; he has also served as a significant ambassador for Qatar. From sporting their logo on his jersey to participating in promotional events in Doha, Mbapp's influence extends well beyond the pitch. He led PSG to multiple domestic titles, although the coveted Champions League title has eluded the club during his tenure. PSG made a substantial investment in Mbapp, acquiring him from Monaco for a staggering 180 million in 2017 and compensating him generously since then.

Mbapp's influence in France is substantial, and his decision to remain with PSG in 2022 was so significant that even French President Emmanuel Macron intervened, working to persuade him to stay at the club.

However, relations between the club and player have soured. After expressing a desire to leave PSG once again, Mbapp found himself benched. PSG claims that Mbapp had verbally agreed to waive the money currently at the center of this legal dispute, suggesting that a gentleman's agreement was made between him and PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi. Al-Khelaifi, a prominent figure in sports and a long-time friend of the Emir of Qatar, chairs both the European Club Association and the Qatar Sports Investments board, placing him in a powerful position within the sport.

Adding another layer to this saga is the historical context surrounding the European Super League, a contentious proposal that Real Madrid endorsed, but which Al-Khelaifi vehemently opposed, helping elevate his status in European football politics.

In the wake of Mbapps departure, PSG has pivoted towards nurturing young talent and embracing a team-oriented philosophy, which seems to be yielding positive results. PSG is now in a strong position to reach the semifinals of the Champions League, while Real Madrid appears to be struggling in comparison and has already secured the French league title this year.

Despite the turbulence, Mbapp remains undeterred. At a press conference held in Paris, his lawyer, Thomas Clay, emphasized Mbapps status as the captain of the French national team and the club's all-time leading scorer, urging that he deserves recognition and payment for his contributions.

In response, PSG has dismissed Mbapp's claims, branding his narrative as stemming from a parallel universe of fanciful storytelling and questioning his refusal to pursue an amicable resolution.

This legal tussle highlights a trend where players are increasingly asserting their influence beyond the pitch. The ultimate outcome of this high-profile legal battle between a football superstar and a powerful club may very well redefine the balance of power within the sport.

The All England Lawn Tennis Club Launches Debenture Sales

In sporting news this week, the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) initiated the latest round of debenture sales coveted five-year tickets for the prestigious Wimbledon Championships, which provide access to Number 1 Court and premium hospitality areas. These debentures are the only tickets for the historic Grand Slam that can be resold, making them highly desirable.

The demand for these tickets has led to a staggering 59 percent increase in prices, with the new debentures for the period of 2027-2031 now priced at 73,000, up from 46,000 for the previous sale in 2021. But are they worth this significant investment?

When viewed through the lens of potential returns, they appear to be a wise choice. Debentures are tradable assets regulated by the UKs Financial Conduct Authority, allowing for transparency in the secondary market. Currently, existing No.1 Court debentures trade for 36,000, despite just two iterations of the tournament remaining equating to approximately 1,635 per day for attendance. The new debentures come with 55 days of tennis, lowering the daily cost to around 1,330.

Furthermore, recent Centre Court debentures have been traded at 108,000, showcasing a potential return for savvy investors. However, prospective buyers should be aware that this price does not include 87,000 in payments still owed from the initial sale, making the situation more complex.

For those purchasing debentures with the intention of enjoying the tennis matches, the AELTC offers a repurchase option with prices varying based on the day, with the opening Monday fetching 700. Alternatively, reselling for the entirety of the Championships can yield 9,000, averaging 818 daily.

For affluent tennis enthusiasts, day passes for entry-level hospitality on Court No.1 are still available at just over 1,200, while premium debenture seats can be priced at double that amount. Exquisite dining experiences, such as at the Le Gavroche pop-up, command prices nearing 3,000 and have already sold out, reflecting the high demand for luxurious experiences.

Current resale platforms, including Green & Purple, list No.1 Court debenture seats starting around 2,000 each, surpassing even the highest price for hospitality at Premier League matches involving teams such as Arsenal or Tottenham, further evidencing the unyielding appetite for high-end sporting events.

For dedicated tennis fans who refuse to miss any action, especially on No.1 Court, debentures offer reasonable value compared to other options. Yet, it seems that these products primarily operate as investments, offering potentially lucrative returns.

For the AELTC, the sale of debentures serves two critical purposes. Firstly, it provides an avenue for affluent fans and tourists to experience the esteemed tournament, thereby preserving its exclusivity without becoming entirely unreachable. Secondly, it allows the club to generate substantial revenues for infrastructure projects, such as the planned expansion into Wimbledon Park. The AELTC aims to raise 75 million from this new issue, adding to the nearly 240 million garnered from Centre Court debentures last year a significant financial boost.