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Roberto Carlos exclusive: the Global Ambassador for Football for Friendship answers the questions of Young Participants from all over the world
The former Brazilian international, three-time winner of the Champions League and Global Ambassador of the Gazprom International Children’s Social Programme Football for Friendship (F4F), Roberto Carlos, spoke in an exclusive press conference with Young Players and Young Journalists about his life, his career and his support for F4F.
Roberto Carlos won the World Cup with the Brazilian national team in 2002. He also won the UEFA Champions League title three times (1998, 2000 and 2002) with Real Madrid as well as numerous national league championship titles. Currently, he is working as a youth coach at Real Madrid. Since 2020 he has also been a Global Ambassador for Football for Friendship. He has supported the programme since 2019, when he presented the winners of the F4F World Championship the cup at the closing events in Madrid, having taken part in other important highlights of the tournament as well.
In an online press conference at the end of May, he answered a wide range of questions from Young Players and Young Journalists with charm and wit. The topics ranged from the highlights of his career to his relationship with his family, his native country Brazil, and his support for Football for Friendship.
Asked about his most famous goal, Roberto Carlos couldn’t suppress a smile at first because, as he explained, he is often asked this question. But he then went on to mention his free kick against France on 3rd June 1997 at the Tournament of France in the 21st minute of the game and also his spectacular goal against CD Teneriffa on 21st February 1998. He also explained that the derby match between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona had always been a highlight. He said that the Brazilian national team of 2002 and Real Madrid with its galacticos were his favourite teams, and argued that whether or not football was becoming more and more commercialised depended a lot on the actual club. Overall, football would continue to develop both technically and tactically.
He told David Sargent from Ireland that it was true that he had been named after the famous Brazilian singer Roberto Carlos Braga. It had been the wish of his father, whose favourite singer this was. He, Roberto Carlos, was a great admirer of the Brazilian singer Alexandre Pires. He explained that his family had been poor and that, when he was twelve, he had wanted to become a lawyer. But then everything had quickly turned out differently: a football career in Brazil, the national team and an invitation to play in Europe. He said that his family had always supported him, particularly his father, who had played football himself. And, of course, it had been painful to leave his family when he was just 13 years old.
Kinley Deki Yangzom from Bhutan asked him what he would do differently. He replied that everything had gone well and had helped him to develop personally and professionally. He told Miriam Sheahan from Ireland that he had never been afraid. But of course he had had dreams, for example to be able to build his parents a house.
In his view, respect towards others, and good, friendly behaviour – towards one’s opponent as well – were important qualities. He told Dominic Kramberger from Sweden that teamwork was an important precondition for success. And his answer to the question from Xuance Li, a Young Journalist from China, was that, because he himself had always behaved properly towards others, he had never been offended by anyone. Mihajlo Nasik, a Young Journalist from Serbia, played Roberto Carlos a serenade on his piano and then asked him about his creative hobbies. Roberto answered that he didn’t have any special talents and that his life was taken up with football 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Doro Yusupov from Tajikistan wanted to know what, in his view, were typical traditions in Brazil. The football star’s answer was good fortune, good food, respect for one’s family and the desire to spend the weekend with one’s family. Aahana Kamboj from India observed that Brazil had so many good footballers and asked whether it was to do with a particular kind of sand on the beaches there. Carlos replied that he had lived in India for some time and had a great love for the country. He went on to explain that the sand on the beaches most certainly wasn’t the reason why Brazil had so many good footballers. Quite simply, the people in his country played football everywhere and everyone wanted to become a star.
What he found good about Football for Friendship was that so many Young Players and Young Journalists meet up and can interact with one another. He thanked the young people for their many interesting questions and wished them all every success.
The 9th season of Football for Friendship is taking place in an online format from 14th to 29th May 2021. This year, F4F is bringing boys and girls together from more than 200 countries and regions. Young Players aged 12 are taking part in the 2021 Football for Friendship eWorld Championship (eF4F). The competition is being played on “F4F World”, the football simulator, which is available free of charge in 27 languages on MS Windows, Apple MacOS, Android and iOS.
Young Journalists report in the International Children’s Press Centre on the events in the 9th season of Football for Friendship and share with their friends the most important values in the programme: friendship, equality, fairness, health, peace, devotion, victory, traditions, and honour.
You can watch the video of this press conference by clicking on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mi6qD7wkhWA.
Aahana Kamboj, India: “I really enjoyed the session with Football for Friendship Global Ambassador, Roberto Carlos, where the Young Journalists from different countries asked questions related to his football career. Even I got the opportunity to ask a question. According to Roberto, teamwork is the key to success, and everyone must follow this rule to be successful in life.”
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Carsten Koerl
Sportradar Reports First Quarter 2026 Financial Results
Sportradar Group has announced the financial results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2026.
Carsten Koerl, CEO of Sportradar Group, said: “Sportradar’s first quarter growth reflects our premier position as the scaled leader in the expanding global sports data ecosystem. We continue to deepen our relationships across our expansive distribution network, providing additional content, products and services to our sportsbook, media and technology clients. Our recently acquired portfolio of IMG content has further bolstered our diverse offering and is resonating with customers worldwide while also expanding our margins as we increasingly leverage our existing infrastructure. Maximizing the opportunities our market leadership position and long-standing relationships remains our priority as we also begin to capitalize on new avenues of growth, including prediction markets and iGaming. Driving value for our partners and clients has always been our focus and continuing to do so should build additional shareholder value in the months and years ahead. Our confidence in our trajectory is demonstrated by the increased buyback activity this past quarter as well as the enhanced open market share repurchase program announced today.”
Total revenue for the first quarter was €347 million, up €35 million, or 11% year-over-year, driven by 15% growth in Betting Technology & Solutions, partially offset by a 4% decline in Sports Content, Technology & Services.
Betting Technology & Solutions revenues of €288 million were up 15% year-over-year primarily driven by a 20% increase in Betting & Gaming Content due to contributions related to the acquisition of IMG ARENA, uptake of the Company’s content and products, as well as U.S. market growth, partially offset by the significant impact of foreign currency movements. Managed Betting Services revenues declined 2%, as higher turnover in the Managed Trading Services business was offset by unfavourable sporting outcomes during the quarter.
Sports Content, Technology & Services revenues of €59 million declined 4% year-over-year primarily driven by a 9% decline in Marketing & Media Services, due primarily to a reduction in marketing campaigns from certain existing customers during the quarter, partially offset by increased revenue from Integrity Services.
The Company generated strong revenue growth globally with Rest of World up 14% and the US up 4%. Foreign currency movements, particularly due to the U.S. dollar relative to the Euro, continue to negatively impact earnings. As a percentage of total Company revenues, US revenue represented 26% of total Company revenue in the first quarter as compared to 28% in the prior year quarter.
Loss for the period was €6 million, down €31 million, compared to a profit of €24 million in the same quarter a year ago, as the Company’s strong operating results were more than offset primarily by a foreign currency loss of €9 million versus a gain of €28 million in the same period a year ago, due principally to unrealised currency fluctuations mainly associated with U.S. dollar-denominated sports rights. The first quarter of 2026 also included higher depreciation and amortization and finance costs primarily related to the acquisition of IMG ARENA, partially offset by lower income taxes.
Adjusted EBITDA
First quarter Adjusted EBITDA was €66 million, up €7 million, or 12% compared to €59 million in the same quarter in 2025. The increase was largely driven by the 11% revenue growth, primarily offset by the inclusion of costs related to IMG ARENA, most notably sport rights.
Business Highlights
Announced key addition to Sportradar’s leadership team, naming Sameer Deen as Chief Operating Officer, commencing May 18, 2026.
Launched Playradar, a dedicated iGaming brand delivering hybrid sports-casino content to global operators across slots, table games, virtual sports, arcade and crash games, operating exclusively in regulated markets.
Expanded the Company’s multi-year partnership with Hard Rock Bet, adding official PGA TOUR and UFC data and enhanced in-play betting capabilities including 3D shot tracking and micro markets.
Extended and expanded the Company’s integrity services agreement with FIFA for an additional five years through 2031, providing AI-driven bet-monitoring, intelligence and investigation support, and risk assessment services across FIFA’s 211 member associations and competitions worldwide.
Announced a multi-year partnership with the Liga Nacional de Basquete for worldwide rights for official data as well as audiovisual betting, completing Sportradar’s presence across Brazil’s three most popular sports.
The post Sportradar Reports First Quarter 2026 Financial Results appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Asia
TCSJOHNHUXLEY to Showcase Intelligent Software and Advanced Table Solutions at G2E Asia 2026
TCSJOHNHUXLEY is going to showcase a powerful new era of live gaming at G2E Asia 2026, held at The Venetian Macao from May 12 to 14, 2026. Located at Booth B1338, the company will highlight a suite of intelligent software and advanced display technology designed to maximise table profitability across the gaming floor. While maintaining a strong focus on its world-class core product range, this year’s showcase demonstrates how data-driven insights and smart hardware integration can transform operational performance for the modern operator. Building on over 50 years of manufacturing expertise, TCSJOHNHUXLEY continues to deliver innovations that go beyond traditional equipment—offering a complete, long-term partnership for casinos worldwide.
A major highlight of the exhibition will be the introduction of T-Connect 2, the latest evolution of the company’s comprehensive table management system. This sophisticated software ecosystem integrates smart sensors to provide real-time data insights, empowering operators to optimise their gaming floors with a modular and flexible approach to game management. T-Connect 2 serves as the central hub for the connected pit, enhancing security and streamlining operations for numerous casinos across Asia.
The company will also showcase its latest display innovations, including the Dynamic Display System (DDS) and the versatile Ora Winning Number Display range – renowned for its exceptional clarity, customisation, and reliability in presenting critical game information. A key highlight will be the groundbreaking Ora Vue Blackjack Display Controller, which introduces a new dimension to the game through advanced camera recognition technology that enables automatic card entry. This intelligent system enhances the player experience by delivering real-time access to hand histories, live odds, and historical statistics – making gameplay more engaging, transparent, and accessible for players of all levels. The Ora Vue Blackjack Display Controller integrates seamlessly with the Ora Luxe Winning Number Display, creating a fully connected and visually refined solution for the modern gaming floor.
To drive further excitement, TCSJOHNHUXLEY will demonstrate its widely popular Supernova Progressive Jackpot System, a unique and customisable platform designed to drive player engagement and heighten excitement across the gaming floor. This unique system allows operators to create bespoke jackpot configurations tailored to their specific gaming floor, offering a seamless blend of traditional gameplay and modern rewards.
Rebecca Kingswell, TCSJOHNHUXLEY global head of operations and managing director APAC, said: “G2E Asia 2026 is an exceptional platform for us to showcase our commitment to industry-leading innovation. We are excited to meet with our partners in the region to demonstrate how our latest developments can transform table performance and drive measurable growth. Our focus remains on delivering the high-impact solutions that operators need to succeed in an evolving marketplace.”
The post TCSJOHNHUXLEY to Showcase Intelligent Software and Advanced Table Solutions at G2E Asia 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Games Global
St8 Enters into Partnership with Games Global
St8 has announced a strategic partnership with Games Global that will bring the supplier’s extensive and diverse catalogue of titles to operators across regulated markets worldwide.
Through the deal, Games Global’s content portfolio will initially be rolled out to St8’s operator network in Ontario, with additional markets expected to follow as the collaboration expands.
Games Global’s high-performing library is developed by its exclusive studio partners, including Alchemy Gaming, Gameburger Studios, Fortune Factory Studios, Stormcraft Studios, PearFiction Studios, ALL FOR ONE Studios, Foxium, among many others, providing operators with proven, player-favourite titles.
The deal significantly strengthens St8’s growing offering, giving its operator partners seamless access to leading content with global appeal through one connection, alongside promotional tools, reporting capabilities and full compliance coverage.
Vladimir Negine, Chief Executive Officer at St8, said: “Our focus at St8 is giving operators the right foundations to grow in regulated markets. Joining forces with Games Global strengthens our content offering with a portfolio that has proven appeal with players worldwide. We look forward to bringing these titles to our partners, beginning with Ontario and expanding into additional regulated markets.”
Mark MacCombie, Chief Commercial Officer at Games Global, said: “We’re really pleased to be working with St8, as it allows us to expand the reach of our content across a broader network of operators. Their scalable platform gives us an efficient route to market, helping us deliver content from our extensive roster of exclusive studios to new audiences.”
The post St8 Enters into Partnership with Games Global appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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