United News of Bangladesh

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has suspended 1,024 players from its professional leagues as part of a widening betting scandal. The TFF said the players—who were identified as having bet on football, including 27 from Turkey's top flight—have been referred to the country’s Professional Football Disciplinary Board (PFDK). Following the move, matches in the third and fourth divisions of Turkish football have been postponed for two weeks, although games in the top two divisions will continue as scheduled as per the TFF statement. The Turkish federation has also requested world governing body FIFA for an additional 15 days on top of the winter transfer window to help clubs manage potential squad shortages. Turkish national team defender Seyed Emirhan Elmalı and his Galatasaray teammate Metehan Baltacı are among the 1,024 players named on the list published by the federation on Monday and referred to the disciplinary commission. Elmalı issued a statement late Monday explaining his involvement in the case after being withdrawn from the Turkey squad preparing for World Cup qualifying matches against Spain and Bulgaria. Besiktas, one of Turkey’s biggest clubs, also issued a statement saying two of their players had been referred to the PFDK, adding that the club had “full faith” in the pair’s innocence. Local media reported that eight people, including a club chairman, have been taken into custody by Turkish authorities as part of the investigation. The scandal first grabbed headlines on October 27, when TFF president İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu stated at a news conference that hundreds of referees had links to betting accounts. He claimed that of the 571 referees active in Turkey’s professional leagues, 371 had betting accounts and 152 were actively placing bets, including seven who are authorized to officiate top-flight matches and 15 top-tier assistant referees. “Our duty is to elevate Turkish football to its rightful place and to purge it of all its filth,” Hacıosmanoğlu said. Turkish football has enjoyed a strong resurgence in recent years. The country will co-host the men’s UEFA Euro 2032 with Italy, the national team reached the Euro 2024 quarterfinals, and Istanbul has been selected by UEFA to stage several European club finals.

Lionel Messi admits that he and his wife Antonela Roccuzzo are “constantly talking” about a future return to Barcelona. The Argentine maestro went viral on social media after posting a picture of himself strolling on the pitch of the new Camp Nou on Monday. It was a nighttime visit, completely unannounced. The greatest player in Barcelona’s history was back at his former home, where he had been “very happy”. Read more: 3 new faces in Argentina squad, Messi uncertain for upcoming friendlies Posting the photos and a short video, Messi wrote in the caption: “Last night I returned to a place I miss with all my soul. A place where I was incredibly happy, where you all made me feel like the happiest person in the world a thousand times over. I hope I can return someday, and not just to say goodbye as a player, like I never got to…” Messi made an emotional exit from Camp Nou in 2021 when, amid financial struggles for the LaLiga giants, no new contract could be signed. He moved to Paris with his family, before eventually heading to Miami. There has been talk over the last four years about a possible return in a playing capacity, but Messi has now committed to a contract in South Florida that will keep him in MLS through the 2028 campaign. While a playing comeback for the Blaugrana has become unrealistic, the 38-year-old superstar still intends to return to his spiritual home. With his secret tour of Barcelona’s iconic revamped stadium, speculation has surged once again. A day later, in an interview with the Spanish newspaper Diario SPORT, Messi discussed his unexpected departure, his hope of returning to Barcelona, and also spoke about the upcoming World Cup.

Bangladesh clawed back through disciplined bowling on the opening day of the Sylhet Test, restricting Ireland to 270 for eight at stumps after the visitors had made a steady start. Off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz led the attack with three wickets for 50 in 23 overs, while debutant left-arm spinner Hasan Murad impressed with two crucial scalps. Pacers Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana, along with Taijul Islam, chipped in with one wicket each to keep Bangladesh in control by the close of play. Ireland’s innings revolved around the contributions of Paul Stirling and Cade Carmichael, who each struck confident half-centuries. Stirling, the more aggressive of the two, top-scored with 60, while the debutant Carmichael showed composure to make 59. Their 94-run stand for the second wicket helped Ireland recover after losing skipper Andy Balbirnie for a duck in the first over. However, Bangladesh’s bowlers tightened their grip after lunch. Nahid Rana broke the partnership when Stirling edged to slip on 60, and Mehidy Hasan struck soon after to dismiss Harry Tector lbw for 1. The middle order offered brief resistance, but wickets fell at regular intervals. Barry McCarthy remained unbeaten on 21 as Ireland survived the full 90 overs but struggled to build lasting partnerships after the second-wicket stand. Despite early fielding lapses — Bangladesh dropped three catches in the first session — the hosts recovered well, showing control and patience on a pitch that offered occasional bounce and turn.

Bangladesh fought back with quick wickets after lunch to check Ireland’s early momentum on the opening day of the Sylhet Test on Monday. At lunch, Ireland were comfortably placed on 94 for 1, but two strikes in successive overs — from pacer Nahid Rana and off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz — dragged the visitors back to 101 for 3. Paul Stirling, who looked in command during the morning session, finally fell for 60 after being dropped twice by the Bangladesh fielders. Nahid Rana found his outside edge, and Shadman Islam made no mistake this time at slip. Just an over later, Mehidy Hasan trapped Harry Tector leg-before for 1, shifting the momentum Bangladesh’s way. Earlier, Ireland captain Andy Balbirnie fell for a duck in the very first over, trapped lbw by Hasan Mahmud, before Stirling and debutant Cade Carmichael steadied the innings with a 94-run stand. Stirling’s fifty came off just 61 balls with eight boundaries, marking his second half-century in Tests. Bangladesh’s fielding, however, remained a concern — three catches were dropped in as many overs during the morning. Both Stirling and Carmichael benefitted from the lapses, but the hosts made amends soon after lunch. Bangladesh’s bowling attack — featuring two pacers and three spinners — appeared well-balanced on a pitch offering some bounce and turn. Debutant left-arm spinner Hasan Murad bowled a tidy spell, while Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan were steady from the other end.

Atalanta have dismissed coach Ivan Jurić following a seven-match winless streak in Serie A that has left the club struggling in 13th place. The decision came two days after Atalanta suffered a 3-0 home defeat to newly promoted Sassuolo, extending their poor domestic form. Jurić, who replaced Gian Piero Gasperini earlier this year, failed to maintain the team’s competitive edge in the Italian top flight despite a relatively solid start in the Champions League, where Atalanta have recorded two wins, one draw and one loss. Former Monza and Fiorentina coach Raffaele Palladino is expected to take charge before Atalanta’s next fixture against defending champions Napoli after the international break. Atalanta are currently 11 points adrift of Serie A leaders Inter Milan and Roma. Gasperini, who spent nine successful seasons with Atalanta before joining Roma, has his new side among the early front-runners in the league. Jurić’s dismissal marks the fourth managerial change in Serie A this season, following earlier moves at Juventus, Genoa, and Fiorentina. Source: AP

Bangladesh Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said he is returning to leadership with “clarity and full independence” as Bangladesh prepare to face Ireland in Sylhet on Tuesday. Bangladesh played their last match five months ago against Sri Lanka in Colombo. Najmul, who had stepped down from captaincy during the Sri Lanka tour in June, was persuaded by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to continue leading the red-ball side through 2027. “I spent those months away from captaincy in a relaxed way and enjoyed that time,” he told reporters in Sylhet. “But when the board spoke to me, I felt that Bangladesh cricket is bigger than me as an individual. I had to think about what the team needed, not just what I wanted,” he added. The BCB’s vice-president, Faruk Ahme,d was tasked with convincing Najmul to stay on, assuring him of full freedom in decision-making. The left-hander said that promise, and the involvement of former cricketers on the board, gave him confidence to return. “When senior former players give advice, it’s for the good of the team and for me personally,” he said. “I respected that and felt it was right to put the team before myself.” No action to be taken on speculation over harassment claims: BCB Najmul also indicated that communication issues that led to his earlier resignation had been resolved. “The board has spoken openly about what problems might arise and how we can address them. Everything is now clear,” he said, adding that he has already discussed coordination with T20 captain Litton Das and ODI skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz. “We three captains sat together to talk about how to take Bangladesh forward across formats. I’m confident the board will give us the support we need,” Najmul said.    

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has said it will not take any decision based on speculation or emotion over the sexual harassment allegations made by former national cricketer Jahanara Alam. The board insisted that only a full and independent investigation will determine the outcome. Speaking to reporters early this week after the opening day of the Bangladesh Cricket Conference, BCB president Aminul Islam and director Amzad Hossain reiterated that the board’s three-member inquiry committee — announced on Saturday night — will handle the matter with full independence and report its findings within 15 working days. “Our board has zero tolerance for any form of harassment — verbal, physical, mental, or online,” Amzad said. “But we will not act on suspicion. Every decision will be based on verified evidence and the committee’s report. If anyone is proven guilty, strict action will follow.” The committee is led by a retired Supreme Court justice and includes BCB director Rubaba Dowla, the board’s only female director. Aminul defended her inclusion amid concerns over potential conflicts of interest, explaining that a board representative was necessary to facilitate access to internal information. Jahanara’s explosive allegations — made in a YouTube interview — accused former selector and manager Manjurul Islam and the late women’s wing chief Towhid Mahmud of harassment during the 2022 Women’s World Cup in New Zealand. Since then, former players Romana Ahmed and Reshma Aktar Aduri have come forward with similar claims, including one naming Nazmul Abedin, now BCB’s cricket operations head.    

Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde has a muscle injury in his right leg and his fitness is being monitored, the club said Monday. Valverde was hurt in Madrid’s 0-0 draw at Rayo Vallecano in the Spanish league on Sunday, coming off in the 83rd minute to be replaced by Trent Alexander-Arnold. Madrid did not confirm if the injury to Valverde will rule him out of playing in Uruguay’s upcoming games against Mexico and the United States.

Heavy rain forced the abandonment of the fourth Twenty20 international between New Zealand and the West Indies on Monday, leaving the hosts ahead 2–1 in the five-match series with one game remaining. The West Indies took the opening match by seven runs, while New Zealand bounced back to claim the second by three runs and the third on Sunday by nine runs. New Zealand won the toss at Saxton Oval Monday and chose to field. Only 6.3 overs had been bowled when the rain set in with the West Indies at 38-1. The last match of the series will be played at University Oval, Dunedin on Thursday. Teams: New Zealand: Tim Robinson, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (captain), Jimmy Neesham, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy. West Indies: Alick Athanaze, Amir Jangoo, Shai Hope (captain), Sherfane Rutherford, Ackeem Auguste, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Roston Chase, Shamar Springer.

New Zealand won the toss and decided to field first in the fourth Twenty20 International against the West Indies at Saxton Oval on Monday. The Black Caps currently lead the five-match series 2-1, with all three previous encounters being decided in the final over. The West Indies took the opener by seven runs, while New Zealand clinched the next two matches — winning the second by three runs and the third on Sunday by nine runs. Mark Chapman returns to the New Zealand side after missing the previous match due to illness, while the West Indies have brought back Roston Chase in place of Akeal Hosein. Teams:New Zealand: Tim Robinson, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (captain), Jimmy Neesham, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy.West Indies: Alick Athanaze, Amir Jangoo, Shai Hope (captain), Sherfane Rutherford, Ackeem Auguste, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Roston Chase, Shamar Springer. Source: AP