United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh National Women’s Football team, now in Kathmandu to compete in the SAFF Women's Championship 2024, made their first training session at ANFA ground from 8 am to 9:30 am on Wednesday. The seven- nation women's regional soccer meet will be held at the Dashrath Rangasala (Stadium) in Nepalese capital Kathmandu from October 17-30 with two arch-rival India and Pakistan playing each other in the inaugural match on Thursday (Oct 17) In the day's training session, holders Bangladesh Women's team worked on tactical drills and fine-tuned their strategies in the day's practice session to defend their regional soccer crown. Int’l Women’s Football: Bangladesh makes flying start in two-match series outplaying hosts Bhutan 5-1 Later, Bangladesh and six other participating teams addressed the official press conference at the Imperial Crown Hotel and also took part in the official photo session in the afternoon. In the day's press conference, head coaches and captains of all the seven teams expressed their eagerness to showcase their talent in upcoming prestigious tournament. Head coach of Bangladesh team Peter Butler and captain Sabina Khatun addressed the  day's press conference. Bangladesh, which was placed in three-team Group A of the seven -nation meet India and Pakistan while four-team Group B consists of Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bhutan and the hosts Nepal. Bangladesh, the champions of 2022, will start their campaign taking on Pakistan on October 20 at 5:45 pm while they will face five times champions India on October 23 at the same time and same venue.

Two times vice president of Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) and a BNP leader Tabith Awal poised for the hot seat president in the BFF Election' 24 scheduled for October 26. He is going to replace long-serving BFF president Kazi M Salahuddin, who earlier declared not to compete in this month's poll. President of Mymensingh District Football Association and former director of BCB SM Abdullah Al Fuad Redwan, who earlier collected nominations for the post of both president and vice- president, did not submit the nomination paper for any post on the last day (Tuesday). However, two outsider presidential candidates --grassroot level organiser from Dinajpur district AFM Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury and Shahadat Hossain of Brahmanbaria FC-- submitted their nomination papers, which will not make any impact in the upcoming BFF poll. The election for the post of senior vice president between two influential candidates Tarafder Ruhul Amin of now defunct Saif SC and Imrul Hasan of Bashundhara Kings, now turned into an exciting stage as the other SVP aspirant Monir Hossen of Narayanganj did not submitted his nomination. However, Tarafder Md Ruhul Amin, who earlier declared himself as a president candidate soon after president Kazi Salahuddin quit from the race, finally, step down to senior vice president post supporting the Tabith Awal. A total of 62 nomination papers were sold in two-day formalities with four for one president post, three for one sr vice president post, ,12 for four vice presidents post and 43 for 15 EC members.. But, three nomination papers were submitted for the hot beat of president, two for senior vice president, seven for vice presidents and 40 EC members. Two former national footballers -- Satyajit Das Rupu and Syed Hasan Kanan--who collected nominations for both the vice president and EC member, finally submitted nomination papers only for the EC member. The election commission will scrutinize the submitted nomination papers on Wednesday. The withdrawal of candidature will take place on October 19 and 20 and the final candidate list will be published on October 20 before BFF Election on October 26.

Defending champions Bangladesh Women’s National Football team safely reached the Nepalese capital Kathmandu on Tuesday to compete in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women’s Championship 2024. The seven- nation women's regional soccer meet will be held at the Dashrath Rangasala (Stadium) of the Nepalese capital Kathmandu from October 17-30. Bangladesh women's team departed Dhaka at 10:30 am and reach the Kathmandu at 11:30 am local time by a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight. Local weather of Kathmandu is very pleasant with clear skies, all the players, team officials and staff team are in sound conditions and good health, said a BFF media release Tuesday afternoon. The team focusing on recovery and relaxation session on Tuesday . A light recovery session scheduled for the day at the swimming pool and there will be no on-field training session today, the media release added. Bangladesh, which was placed in three-team Group A of the seven -nation meet India and Pakistan while four-team Group B consists of Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bhutan and the hosts Nepal. Holders Bangladesh, the champions of 2022, will start their campaign taking on Pakistan on October 20 at 5:45 pm while they will face five times champions India on October 23 at the same time and same venue. Bangladesh women’s team : Rupna Chakma, Masura Parvin, Afeida Khandakar, Sheuli Azim. Shamsunnahar Sr, Nilufa Yasmin Nila, Airin Khatun, Kohati Kisku, Monika Chakma, Maria Manda (vice captain), Sapna Rani, Sumaya Matsushima, Sanjida Akhter, Munki Akhter, Ritu Porna Chakma, Shaheda Akter Ripa, Sabina Khatun (captain), Tohura Khatun, Shamsun nahar jr, Krishna Rani Sarkar, Mst Yearzan, Mile Akter and Mst Sagorika.

Defending champions Bangladesh Women’s Football team will fly for Nepal on Tuesday to compete in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women’s Championship 2024 to be held in Kathmandu from October 17 to 30 with a hope to retain the regional soccer crown. Ahead of the ensuing SAFF Championship, Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) on Monday announced a 23-member Bangladesh women’s football team that included nine team officials. Bangladesh, which was placed in three-team Group A of the seven -nation meet India and Pakistan while four-team Group B consists of Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bhutan and the hosts Nepal. Holders Bangladesh, the champions of 2022, will start their campaign taking on Pakistan on October 20 at 5:45 pm at the Dashrath Rangasala (Stadium) in Kathmandu while they face five times champions India on October 23 at the same time and same venue. BFF member and Chairperson of the Committee for Women’s Football Mahfuza Akter Kiron, team manager Mahmuda Akter, Head Coach Pater James Butler, captain Sabina Khatun and vice-captain Maria Manda disclosed their expectation and preparations at a press conference at the BFF house on Monday. Read more: Who Will Win the Ballon d'Or trophy in 2025: 5 Prospective Footballers Captain Sabina Khatun said, “We will miss the services of our two key players Anthi Khatun and Sirat Jahan Swopna, we will try our best to fill the gap with new players .Moreover, we failed to play mentionable preparation matches this time, however, our target in to give best in the meet”. But, Vice-captain Maria sought blessing from the countrymen to achieve the goal. Bangladesh women’s team : Rupna Chakma, Masura Parvin, Afeida Khandakar, Sheuli Azim. Shamsunnahar Sr, Nilufa Yasmin Nila, Airin Khatun, Kohati Kisku, Monika Chakma, Maria Manda (vice captain), Sapna Rani, Sumaya Matsushima, Sanjida Akhter, Munki Akhter, Ritu Porna Chakma, Shaheda Akter Ripa, Sabina Khatun (captain), Tohura Khatun, Shamsun nahar jr, Krishna Rani Sarkar, Mst Yearzan, Mile Akter and Mst Sagorika.

After a landmark court decision for the soccer transfer market, FIFA said Monday it will now invite “key stakeholders” worldwide for talks about updating rules put in question by former France international Lassana Diarra. The European Court of Justice ruled in the Diarra case on Oct. 4 in Luxembourg that some parts of FIFA’s transfer regulations did not comply with its laws on competition and freedom of movement for labor. While some analysts speculate that the entire global transfer market, worth more than $10 billion each year, could be upended, FIFA believes its consultations can focus more narrowly on player-club disputes where contracts are allegedly broken without just cause. The FIFA talks should include the global players’ union FIFPRO, plus representatives from clubs, leagues and national soccer federations. Messi's Argentina held 1-1 by Venezuela in South American World Cup qualifying "Together with them, FIFA will determine what conclusions must be drawn from the Diarra decision, and which changes are most appropriate and suitable to make to article 17 of the (transfer regulations),” the governing body's chief legal officer Emilio García said in a statement. Diarra, a former Real Madrid, Arsenal and Chelsea player, signed a four-year contract with Lokomotiv Moscow in 2013. The deal was terminated a year later after he was unhappy with alleged pay cuts. FIFA and then the Court of Arbitration for Sport found the Russian club terminated the contract “with just cause” and ordered the player to pay 10.5 million euros ($11.2 million). Diarra argued his search for a new club was affected by FIFA rules, making his next employer jointly responsible for paying compensation to Lokomotiv. Man City and Premier League claim a win after challenge of league's financial fairness rules “The Diarra decision confirms the sanctity of contracts. Nobody, neither a club nor a player, can simply walk away from a valid contract,” García said. “Consequently, if players wish to be released from a contract, there will be financial consequences.” The FIFA-led talks will open while the Diarra case now goes back to a local court in Belgium, where a final ruling could take years rather than months.

Tabith Awal and three others collected nomination papers to contest for the hot seat of president of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) in the BFF Election' 2024 scheduled for October 26. Grassroot level organiser from Dinajpur district AFM Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury, president of Mymensingh District Football Association and former BCB director SM Abdullah Al Fuad Redwan and councilor of Brahmanbaria FC Md Shahadat Hossain picked up nomination for the post of president alongside stronger candidate and two times BFF vice president cum BNP leader Tabith Awal. SM Abdullah Al Fuad Redwan also collected nomination paper for the post of vice president. Another influential organiser and owner of now defunct Saif FC Tarafder Md Ruhul Amin, who earlier declared himself as a president candidate after president Kazi Salahuddin quit from the race, finally, step down and collected nomination for the post of senior vice president. Current BFF vice president cum president of Bashundhara Kings Md Imrul Hasan and Md Monir Hossen also picked up nomination for the lone post of senior vice president Twelve nomination papers were sold against four vice-presidents posts that also collected by former national footballers, coach and organisers They are: Md Iqbal Hossen, Syed Rummon Bin Wali Sabbir, Satyajit Das Rupu, Syed Hasan Kanan (former national footballer), Shafiqul Islam Manik (former national footballer cum coach),Naser Shahriar Jahedi, Fahad M Ahmed Karim, Sabbir Ahmed Aref, Wahiduddin Chowdhury, Rashed Samiul Islam, Abdullah Al Fuad Redwan, Misbah Ahmad Bin Samad Chowdhury (organiser). Md. Iqbal Hossain, Satyajit Das Rupu, Syed Hasan Kanan and Misbah Ahmad Bin Samad Chowdhury also picked up nomination for the EC member. Besides, 43 nomination papers were sold against 15 posts for EC members in the three-day nomination distribution formalities concluded on Saturday The aspiring candidates will get two days to submit the nomination papers, on October 14 and 15, before the election commission scrutinises the nomination papers on the next day. The withdrawal of candidature will take place on October 19 and 20 and the final candidate list will be published on October 20 before BFF Election on October 26.

The Al-Hilal player, who has recently resumed training with his Saudi League team, is set to elevate his off-field investments by acquiring a private island. Currently, he has been renting the island, Ilhao do Japao, at a cost of €50,000 per day. Neymar has faced challenges over the past year due to a serious knee injury that has kept him sidelined. While he has returned to training, it is anticipated that he won't be back in action for several months. The winger is taking a cautious approach to his recovery to prolong his career. Meanwhile, he is continuing to enjoy a lavish lifestyle and pursue investments, including the island purchase. Read: Coach says Neymar is not ready for an imminent return to Al-Hilal The island, Ilha do Japao, is reportedly being sold for around €9 million. Brazilian journalist Leo Dias revealed that Neymar previously rented the island to explore it thoroughly before making the purchase. The current owner, a Canadian investor, has lowered the price by €3 million, attracting interest from Neymar and other potential buyers. Given its proximity to Rio de Janeiro, Neymar appears to have a particular interest. The island can accommodate up to ten guests and features a heliport, providing a 35-minute journey from a popular coastal town. Alternatively, it can be reached by boat. Spanning approximately 3 hectares, it includes an Indonesian-style main villa, two suites, a koi pond, and three sea-view bungalows. Read more: Lionel Messi scores 2 in Argentina's World Cup qualifying win over Peru; Brazil's Neymar injured This will not be Neymar's first luxury acquisition; he already owns a six-bedroom mansion in the Mangaratiba resort area and previously purchased a glass-fronted palace near São Paulo for €3 million in late 2021.

Lionel Messi's Argentina drew Venezuela 1-1 in a South American World Cup qualifying match Thursday that was delayed for 30 minutes due to a wet pitch at Monumental Stadium in the Venezuelan city of Maturin. Argentina, which leads the 10-team round-robin competition, now has 19 points after nine matches. Colombia, with 16 points, remains in second place after losing 1-0 at Bolivia. The two results momentarily put Brazil out of automatic World Cup berths, in seventh place with 10 points. The Brazilians will face Chile in Santiago later on Thursday. Argentina's lead in the competition could be reduced on Friday if Uruguay, with 15 points, wins at Peru. Defender Nicolás Otamendi opened the scoring for Argentina in the 13th minute. He pushed the ball to the empty net after a cross by Messi and a mistake by goalkeeper Rafael Romo. Salomón Rondón equalized in the 65th minute with a header for the only South American team that has yet to play in a World Cup. “The pitch did not help us do what we wanted to do," Messi said. He returned to the national team after missing the two previous rounds of South American qualifying due to ligament damage in his right ankle. Venezuela defender Jon Aramburu said his team wanted a win to show its ambition. Read: Messi quickly starts the process of looking ahead after Inter Miami wins MLS Supporters Shield “The rain affected the match, we couldn't play well,” he said. “We drew against a team that everyone knows of its potential. But this team is here to beat them, to compete.” Venezuela's next match will be at Paraguay on Tuesday, the same day that Argentina will host Bolivia. Colombia, the last unbeaten team in South American qualifying, was shocked at Bolivia in the Municipal Stadium in the city of El Alto, more than 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) above sea level. Bolivia moved into fifth place with 12 points after its first win in 21 years against the Colombians. Miguel Terceros, also known as Miguelito, scored the winning goal for Bolivia in the 58th minute with a powerful shot after dribbling through two defenders. Bolivia had lost Héctor Cuellar to a straight red card in the 21st minute after a gruesome tackle that forced the substitution of striker Roger Martinez, but the team remained competitive until the end of the match in its high-altitude stadium. “We are a young team that wants to change history," Terceros said. “Now we will travel to Argentina thinking about winning.” Bolivia hasn't qualified for a World Cup edition since the 1994 edition in the United States. Colombia's next rivall will be Chile, who will face Brazil later on Thursday. Also on Thursday, Ecuador and Paraguay drew 0-0. Read more: Argentina minus Messi beats Chile to lead South American World Cup qualifying The Ecuadorians are in fourth place with 12 points and ahead of Bolivia on goal difference. Paraguay remains out of an automatic qualifying spot with 10 points. The top six teams in the round-robin competition will secure automatic berths at the 2026 World Cup.

Jurgen Klopp has moved on from Liverpool in the Premier League and will take on a new role as head of global soccer at Red Bull starting in January. Red Bull said in a statement Wednesday that the 57-year-old German will oversee its international network of soccer clubs. “He will not be involved in the clubs’ day-to-day operations, but will provide strategic vision, supporting individual sporting directors in advancing the Red Bull philosophy,” the statement said. Klopp led Liverpool to seven major trophies in his nearly nine years at Anfield ending in May of this year.

The local football season 2024-25, which was schedule to start on October 11 through Challenge Cup Football, has been deferred by one and half month due to venue crisis and other prevailing circumstances. The local football season will now begin in the last week of November this year. The decision was taken at an online emergency meeting of the BFF Professional League Management Committee held Tuesday afternoon. The meeting, which was earlier scheduled for last Saturday, was cancelled in the dying moment due to heavy downpour in the capital. The day’s meeting decided to start the local football season under new standing committee to be formed after the upcoming BFF election on October 26. Read: Man City and Premier League claim a win after challenge of league's financial fairness rules League committee chairman and vice president of Bangladesh football federation Imrul Hasan said, “We need at-least five venues for the 10-team premier league, now we have only two available venues –Bashundhara Kings and Rafiquddin Bhuiyan Stadium in Mymensingh.”  The other proposed venues in Cumilla, Munshiganj, Gazipur and Manikganj are not ready till date. “So, we decided to defer the league till last week of November, as all the match venues are not ready and as well as for the appeal of the participating teams and reviewing the existing situation”. Read more: Bangladesh Football Federation election on October 26 Earlier, the local football season due to start with Challenge Cup Football from October 11 at the Bashundhara Kings Arena, Federation Cup Football due to kick-off on October 15 and the Football League scheduled to begin on October 18.