Axios

FIFA announced Thursday that there will be direct charter flights to Doha from Tel Aviv during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, which begins on Nov. 20.

The big picture: It's a major agreement for Israel and Qatar, two countries that do not have diplomatic relations.

LeBron James said Thursday that Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving's recent apology and condemnation of an antisemitic film warrants him a return to the NBA hardwood.

Why it matters: James is arguably the biggest star in the league and the most notable NBA player to support Irving's return to the NBA amid the controversy surrounding Irving's promotion of an antisemitic film.