United News of Bangladesh

Real Madrid issued a public apology to the Chinese people on Wednesday over comments by star forward Kylian Mbappé that were viewed as disrespectful towards Mao Zedong, the founder of the People's Republic of China. The apology came a day after the French striker expressed regret for his remarks amid growing criticism in China. “Real Madrid C.F. wishes to express its apologies to the Chinese people for any discomfort that may have been caused by the recent words of our player Kylian Mbappé,” the club said in a statement. The Spanish club also reaffirmed its respect for China's history, culture and people, as well as the millions of Chinese supporters who follow the team. During an online interview, Mbappé discussed his favourite meme featuring himself and apparently described Mao as a “Chinese dictator”. The comments triggered an immediate backlash, with at least three Chinese companies ending their commercial partnerships with the footballer. Mbappé later acknowledged that his remarks were “ill-judged” and said he understood they had offended many people in China and Chinese communities worldwide. Real Madrid said it joined the player's public apology and reiterated its commitment to respect, peaceful coexistence and understanding between cultures. The club also expressed its desire to strengthen its friendship with China and its people. China Media Group (CMG) had announced the suspension of broadcasts of Spanish league matches and other games featuring Mbappé. It also called on La Liga, the player and Real Madrid to apologise. CMG confirmed that it had received Real Madrid's apology but offered no further comment. The Spanish league has also issued an apology. China's Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that it took Mbappé's apology “seriously”. However, it remains uncertain whether the apology will help the footballer recover the commercial partnerships and other business opportunities he lost following the controversy.

Harry Kane became the first Englishman in 25 years to win the Ballon d’Or on Monday, following a prolific scoring campaign last season, while Spain’s Alexia Putellas claimed her third women’s Ballon d’Or. Kane scored 73 goals for club and country last season, finishing as Europe’s leading scorer and setting scoring records in Germany for Bayern Munich and at the World Cup, where he captained England to a third-place finish. The 33-year-old striker said winning the prestigious individual award was the result of more than just his performances on the field, highlighting the importance of hard work, determination and self-belief. “Anything is possible with hard work, when no one else is watching, to go through the ups and downs, to learn through resilience, determination and self-belief,” an emotional Kane told young players in a message after reflecting on the challenges he faced early in his career. “My journey wasn't straightforward. I wasn't the kid who went straight to the top. I had to experience the downs,” he said. “I had to fight my way to be the very best right now. I hope that can give you inspiration as well.” Kane finished ahead of Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, 2024 winner Rodri and record eight-time winner Lionel Messi in the voting. Yamal was named the best young talent for the third consecutive year. The England captain thanked his teammates, coaches, parents, children and wife Kate for their support. “It's past your bedtime,” he joked while thanking his children, before describing his wife as “my best friend”. “We've been through ups and downs for sure. You're my biggest supporter. You always want the best for me,” he said. Kane guided Bayern Munich to a Bundesliga and German Cup double, scoring a hat-trick against Stuttgart in the cup final. The German club also reached the semifinals of the Champions League. At the World Cup, Kane scored six goals to surpass Gary Lineker as England's all-time leading World Cup scorer, placing himself among the tournament's top five scorers in history. England lost to Argentina in the semifinals but defeated Mbappe's France to finish third, securing the country's best World Cup result in 60 years. Kane's achievement marked the first time an Englishman had won the Ballon d'Or since Michael Owen in 2001. “It's massive for England, for our country. (The ceremony) being here in London was a good omen for me,” Kane said. “It's been too long. Certainly (there have been) incredible English players... To put us back on the map, to put us here with this trophy I'm extremely proud. Playing for England is my biggest honor, the thing I love to do the most.” England coach Thomas Tuchel congratulated Kane, saying the national team was fortunate to have him as its leader. “I ran out of superlatives to describe your performances a long time ago, but I'm delighted to see that you have now been formally recognized by the football world,” Tuchel said. Fans gathered in large numbers near the London Palladium, the venue for the ceremony, with some climbing light poles to catch a glimpse of the arriving footballers. Kane stopped to sign autographs on his way into the venue. Supporters remained outside throughout the ceremony and chanted his name as he left the theatre near Oxford Circus after midnight. Kane planned to celebrate the achievement with family and friends but said the festivities would be limited as Bayern have a cup match on Wednesday. “We have a cup game on Wednesday so it can't get too messy,” he said, adding that he would take an early flight back to Munich on Tuesday to attend team training. The ceremony was held in London for the first time to mark the 70th anniversary of the inaugural Ballon d'Or, won by England's Stanley Matthews in 1956. Putellas claims third women's Ballon d'Or Earlier, Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas won her third women's Ballon d'Or, matching the record, after helping her former club Barcelona secure several trophies last season, including the Women's Champions League. Putellas, who joined London City Lionesses during the offseason, also helped Spain win the Women's Nations League last December. The 32-year-old ended the three-year reign of her Spain teammate Aitana Bonmati, who won the award in 2023, 2024 and 2025 but was not included on this year's shortlist after breaking her leg in December. Putellas previously won the award in 2021 and 2022 before tearing her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), an injury that coincided with Bonmati's rise to prominence. The women's Ballon d'Or was first introduced in 2018, with Ada Hegerberg becoming its inaugural winner. Encouraging young players to pursue their ambitions with love and passion, Putellas urged them to believe in themselves. “Believe in yourself, that's the most important thing,” she said. “If you have a dream, go for it, even if at some point you have to start from zero.” Putellas joined Barcelona in 2012 and described her time at the Catalan club as a special experience. “I'm really grateful for having 14 seasons as a player (at Barcelona),” she said. “What I experienced last year was like a perfect story.”

Organizers of the 2027 Asian Cup have announced the kickoff times and finalized schedule for the tournament in Saudi Arabia, seeking to reassure Asian football federations that preparations remain on track despite recent deadly attacks by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The monthlong tournament will begin on Jan 7, with hosts Saudi Arabia facing Palestine in Group A at 8 pm local time in Riyadh. Muhammed Q. Alghamdi, a spokesman for the organizing committee, told an Asian Football Confederation (AFC) meeting in Tokyo last week that daily life in Saudi Arabia was continuing despite regional tensions. He said organizers remained committed to ensuring the tournament proceeded as planned. The competition will feature 24 teams playing across eight venues in three cities — Riyadh, Jeddah and Khobar. Iran, drawn in Group C alongside Syria, China and Kyrgyzstan, will begin its campaign against China at 4:30 pm local time on Jan 9 at Riyadh's 26,000-seat Kingdom Arena. Australia will open its Group D campaign against Singapore in Khobar earlier that day. The final is scheduled for Feb 5 at the 72,000-seat King Fahd Sports City Stadium in Riyadh. The AFC said the finalized schedule considered commercial and broadcasting requirements, local arrangements, spectator attendance and efforts to improve the fan experience. However, security concerns have disrupted several sporting events in the region. An AFC Champions League match between Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr and Uzbekistan's Neftchi Fergana was delayed on Oct 12 following a security alert issued by Saudi Arabia's Civil Defense. Al-Nassr's scheduled home match against the United Arab Emirates' Al-Wasl on Monday was also postponed. Other events have been relocated or cancelled. The WTA Finals, women's tennis's season-ending tournament, was moved from Riyadh to Indian Wells, California. Meanwhile, the International Cycling Union cancelled a BMX qualifying event in Saudi Arabia for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Michael Carrick acknowledged Manchester United supporters with an apologetic salute before heading down the tunnel at Old Trafford on Sunday after another disappointing afternoon. United players following him were greeted with boos from frustrated fans. United suffered a 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth in the Premier League, extending their winless run to eight matches and increasing pressure on the struggling club. While supporters expressed their anger at the players, Carrick received some applause. “It hurts an awful lot to see us going through this at this moment in time,” an emotional Carrick said, describing his feelings as mixed after another performance exposed his team's weaknesses. Carrick said his post-match walk around the pitch with the players was not a farewell gesture. “What it looks like, what is next . I really don't know. But I'll always do what's best for this football club,” he said. Fernandes dropped United, who sit 16th in the 20-team Premier League, have struggled to find consistency despite Carrick's efforts to turn their season around. The manager dropped captain Bruno Fernandes for Sunday's match, four days after United suffered a 4-1 defeat at Como in the Champions League. Fernandes had subsequently criticised Carrick's tactics in comments to the media. Carrick said the decision to leave the Portugal international, who was named England's player of the year last season, out of the starting lineup was based purely on football considerations. Fernandes warmed up during the match but did not play as Bournemouth scored through Rayan, Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson. “He's fit and available but we decided to pick the team that we did today. Unfortunately for everyone we didn't manage to get the right result,” Carrick told BBC Sport. He added that United wanted to attack more and create additional chances but acknowledged that the team had not done enough. Carrick's future is increasingly uncertain, less than five months after he signed a permanent contract following a successful interim spell that helped United return to the Champions League in the second half of last season. However, replacing the manager may not resolve the club's deeper problems. Supporters also chanted against director of football Jason Wilcox and the Glazer family, United's majority owners, before directing their frustration at the players. United have won only one of their eight league matches this season, beating promoted Ipswich at home on Aug. 30. “It's nowhere near good enough,” defender Harry Maguire said. “Something needs to change.” Bournemouth, meanwhile, have won 3-0 at Old Trafford in three of the last four seasons. Their other visit during that period ended in a 4-4 draw. Liverpool end Brighton's unbeaten run Liverpool defeated Brighton 2-0 at Anfield to end the south-coast side's unbeaten league run since August. Brighton had enjoyed an impressive spell, including two 5-0 victories and a 3-0 win over defending champions Arsenal. Liverpool scored twice within four minutes midway through the first half. Pascal Gross deflected Florian Wirtz's attempt into his own net before Alexander Isak converted Bradley Barcola's cross. The victory was Liverpool's first home league win under manager Andoni Iraola, who took charge during the summer. The result moved Liverpool into fourth place, one position and one point behind Brighton. Brighton dominated possession with 64% and recorded 17 shots, although only one was on target. Manager Fabian Hurzeler described the defeat as a missed opportunity but praised his players for their attacking approach. “I think everyone in the stadium saw that there was one team who really tried to create and try to win this game,” Hurzeler said. Newcastle secure victory Newcastle United defeated Crystal Palace 2-0 through second-half goals from William Osula and Harvey Barnes. Elsewhere, Hull City and Brentford drew 1-1, while Sunderland and Leeds United played out a goalless draw.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has been ruled out of Sunday's La Liga Clasico away to FC Barcelona after suffering a virus, the club confirmed. "Courtois is a last-minute absence due to a flu-like illness for tonight's match between Real Madrid and Barcelona, corresponding to the tenth matchday of La Liga. Illia Voloshyn has been called up in his place," Real Madrid said in a statement on its official website. Andriy Lunin is expected to replace Courtois in goal, with the Belgian's absence dealing a significant blow to Jose Mourinho's side after a series of impressive performances this season. Real Madrid heads into the match at Camp Nou six points behind league leader Barcelona, which has won all nine of its opening fixtures. Defeat would leave Madrid nine points adrift of its archrival and four behind Atletico Madrid, which beat Deportivo de La Coruna 1-0 on Saturday.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has claimed that he enjoys the backing of the "vast, vast majority" of the football community despite facing criticism over his failed proposal to sell stakes in World Cup profits. Infantino is seeking re-election for a final term next year, amid calls from some quarters for him to step down following the controversial plan. His proposal to sell shares in World Cup profits through a commercial subsidiary angered football officials in Europe, North America and Asia. However, in an interview with the BBC released on Saturday during the Under-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan, Infantino dismissed calls for his resignation. "Well, you know, I was elected by 211 member associations from all over the world," Infantino said. "I think what is important is that in an organization like FIFA there can be different views, different points of view. "But if we are serious about democracy, about the democratic process, about believing that everyone has the same vote and the same voice all over the world, that football belongs to everyone, if we are serious about that, then we need to respect as well the views of the vast, vast majority," he added. Infantino is seeking a final term in office in the election scheduled for March. The deadline for rival candidates to enter the race is November 18. His latest remarks came after he apologised to FIFA's ruling council last week for what he described as "mistakes" in his secretive investment plan involving the World Cup. Despite the apology, European delegates said they left the meeting disappointed, citing what they considered a lack of clarity over the proposal. On Friday, the Asian Football Confederation endorsed Infantino for another term, marking an apparent shift from its position two months earlier, when it criticised him for what it called a breach of trust.

US-based forward Ronan Sullivan and England-based Mahe Khan, neither of whom has played for the senior national team, were named on Saturday in Bangladesh’s 28-member preliminary squad for the SAFF Championship. The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) announced the squad for the tournament, which will be held at the National Stadium in Dhaka from November 5 to 17. Ronan and Mahe have both played for Bangladesh’s under-20 side. Mahe plays for Moulton FC in the ninth tier of English football. Ronan plays college football in the United States for the Saint Joseph’s Hawks. Ronan was part of the Bangladesh team that won the SAFF U-20 Championship earlier this year, and his performances there caught the attention of national team head coach Thomas Dooley. His twin brother, Declan Sullivan, also played in that tournament but has not been picked for the SAFF squad. Defenders Topu Barman and Bishwanath Ghosh are back after missing the FIFA ASEAN Cup in Indonesia from September 21 to October 6. Forward Foysal Ahmed Fahim, who missed the ASEAN Cup through injury, has also been included. Shakil Ahad Topu, Monjurur Rahman Manik and Shahriar Emon, who were in the final ASEAN Cup squad, have been left out. Goalkeepers Mohammad Asif and Ishaque Akando will train with the squad but are not among the 28. Bangladesh are in Group A with Bhutan and Sri Lanka, while India, Pakistan and the Maldives make up Group B in the six-team tournament. The top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals on November 14, and the final is on November 17. Squad: Goalkeepers: Mitul Marma, Sujon Hossain, Mehedi Hasan Srabon. Defenders: Topu Barman, Bishwanath Ghosh, Saad Uddin, Zidane Yousuf, Rahmat Mia, Isa Faysal, Tariq Kazi, Zayyan Ahmed. Midfielders: Md Sohel Rana, Sohel Rana, Mohammad Ridoy, Hamza Choudhury, Shamit Shome, Quazem Shah, Jamal Bhuyan, Sheikh Morsalin. Forwards: Farhaan Ali, Rakib Hossain, Foysal Ahmed Fahim, Fahamedul Islam, Mohammad Ibrahim, Minhazul Karim, Ronan Sullivan, Mahe Khan, Shuki Itofusa.

Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany was hospitalised on Friday after collapsing while observing a training session for the club's reserve team, the German champions said. The 40-year-old Belgian will undergo comprehensive medical examinations and remain under medical care, the club said in a statement. “In the meantime, his coaching staff will manage training and match-related activities,” Bayern added. The club's board member for sport, Max Eberl, said Kompany's health was the top priority and that he would be given all the time necessary to recover as Bayern prepare to face Freiburg in the Bundesliga on Sunday. Kompany had been suffering from a viral infection since last week. His assistant, Aaron Danks, said on Tuesday that the illness had affected the Belgian's legs. The usually animated coach remained seated throughout Bayern's 6-1 victory over Leipzig last week. He subsequently missed a training session and a pre-match news conference on Tuesday, with Danks saying he needed to rest at home. However, Kompany returned to the dugout for Bayern's 2-2 draw against Arsenal in the Champions League on Wednesday. After the match, Kompany admitted that he had tried to push through the illness and ignored the signals his body was giving him. Kompany joined Bayern from Burnley in 2024 and has since won the German league twice. His team also reached the Champions League semi-finals and won the German Cup last season. Manchester City, where Kompany served as captain for many years and won the Premier League four times, was among the clubs wishing him a speedy recovery. “Everyone at Manchester City is wishing a speedy recovery to our former captain and club legend, Vincent Kompany,” the English club posted on X. “Get well soon, Vinny.”

Gianni Infantino is set to take his FIFA presidential re-election campaign to Japan this week, where he is scheduled to meet leaders of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) on Wednesday. The meeting comes after Infantino apologised last week in Zurich, Switzerland, to FIFA's 37-member ruling council, which he chairs, for "mistakes" in putting together a now-abandoned $4.2 billion plan to sell off World Cup commercial rights. The council is FIFA's main decision-making body, comprising officials from across the world. The planned meeting with Asian soccer leaders will take place at a five-star hotel in Tokyo, with media access largely restricted. Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, the AFC president, initially opposed Infantino and his proposal to establish a subsidiary to run the World Cup. However, he may have moved closer to the FIFA president, according to a report by The Athletic. Infantino has offered his critics an open and independent review of FIFA's decision-making process. Infantino seeks support ahead of election An Associated Press tally suggests Infantino is nearing the simple majority of votes from FIFA's 211 member federations needed to secure re-election in March for a fourth term. Some decisive votes could come from Asia. The AFC had joined criticism of Infantino following the proposed World Cup commercial rights sell-off, but its members appear divided over his leadership. Qatar, host of the 2022 World Cup, has expressed support for Infantino, while Jordan has declared its opposition. The FIFA Council is scheduled to hold its next meeting on Dec 16 in Doha, Qatar. According to the AP tally, 87 of FIFA's 211 member federations have indicated support for Infantino, either through individual comments or by endorsing statements of backing issued by their regional confederations. Europe accounts for the largest bloc of opposition. FIFA's election rules No incumbent FIFA president has lost an election since 1974. The deadline for candidates to submit nominations to challenge Infantino is Nov 18. Under FIFA rules, candidates must have "played an active role in association football (e.g. as a player or an official within FIFA, a confederation or an association, etc.) for two of the last five years before being proposed." They must also secure declarations of support from at least five of FIFA's 211 member federations. "FIFA is a massive patronage network," Jules Boykoff, a political scientist at Pacific University and a former professional soccer player, told the Associated Press. "It brings in billions from the men's World Cup and distributes it to football associations around the world in exchange for loyalty," he said. "The funds that FIFA distributes to soccer bodies around the world are meant to develop soccer, but there's scant oversight," Boykoff added. "To say FIFA is in need of structural overhaul it to make an enormous understatement."

Lionel Messi scored twice and provided an assist as Inter Miami cruised to a 3-1 victory over Atlanta United in Major League Soccer (MLS) on Saturday. Germán Berterame opened the scoring in the final minute of the first half, converting a move set up by Messi and Luis Suárez to put Miami ahead. Messi then scored twice in four minutes, finding the net in the 56th and 60th minutes to extend Miami’s lead to 3-0. Berterame assisted on both goals, while Suárez provided an assist on Messi’s second strike. With his 15th assist of the season, Messi drew level with Los Angeles FC’s Son Heung-min at the top of the league’s assist standings. He also became the first player in MLS history to record at least 15 assists in three consecutive seasons. The Argentine star’s goals took his league-leading tally to 25. He won the Golden Boot last season with 29 goals and, alongside Josef Martínez, is one of only two players in MLS history to score at least 25 goals in two regular seasons. Messi now has 40 goal contributions this season, nine short of Carlos Vela’s MLS record of 49, set with Los Angeles FC in 2019. Miami have four matches remaining. Berterame has recorded eight assists, while Suárez registered a career-high 11th assist. Atlanta pulled one back in the 89th minute when Fafà Picault converted a penalty. Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair made two saves, while Atlanta’s Lucas Hoyos also stopped two shots. Atlanta had played out a 2-2 draw with Miami at home earlier in September. Inter Miami will visit the New York Red Bulls next Saturday, while Atlanta United will host Chicago Fire.