United News of Bangladesh

Kylian Mbappé will miss one Spanish league game with a leg injury but Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti hopes his striker will recover from in time to play the Intercontinental Cup final next week. Ancelotti said Friday that the left-thigh injury that Mbappé sustained this week will rule him out of Saturday’s La Liga match at Rayo Vallecano. But the Italian coach said that Mbappé will travel with the rest of his teammates to Qatar for the Intercontinental Cup final on Dec. 18, when Madrid will face either Pachuca or Al Ahly. “We will see if he can play without taking any (injury) risks,” Ancelotti told reporters. “He will travel because we think he can recover from the injury.” Mbappé hurt his leg and was substituted after scoring in Madrid’s 3-2 win at Atalanta in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Harry Kane is set to make his return for Bayern Munich next week following a muscle injury, coach Vincent Kompany said Friday. The England captain hasn't played since he went off in Bayern's 1-1 draw with Borussia Dortmund on Nov. 30 after receiving treatment on his right thigh. Kane's missed three games since then and Kompany said Kane wouldn't be available for Saturday's Bundesliga game at Mainz, either, but could return next week ahead of playing Leipzig on Dec. 20. “It’s actually gone really quickly and well for Harry. It was tight for this game, but it looks good for Leipzig," Kompany said. "I’m obviously only focused on Mainz now but regarding Harry, it’s great. It’s not the case that we’ve had a setback or something. It looks good.” Kane has scored 20 goals in 19 games for Bayern in all competitions this season. With Bayern's long injury list including goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, left back Alphonso Davies and midfielder Joao Palhinha, the winter break could allow Bayern to bring multiple players back for its first competitive game of the new year on Jan. 11. The break is especially welcome because the Club World Cup takes up so much of next year's offseason, Kompany indicated. “Right now I’m happy that we have a winter break (in Germany) because there isn’t even a summer break if you look at the schedule that we have," Kompany said. "It’s important that you have a certain number of days to recover, not just physically but mentally.” Bayern has been drawn against New Zealand's Auckland City, Argentina's Boca Juniors and Portugal's Benfica in the group stage of the expanded Club World Cup, which runs from June 14 through July 13 in the United States.

The 3rd round of the 10-team  Bashundhara Group Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Football begins on Friday with two matches billing for the day. Fakirerpool Youngmens Club will play Fortis FC at 2:30 pm at the Shaheed Barkat Stadium in Gazipur while Brothers Union Club will encounter Chittagong Abahani Ltd also at 2:30 pm at the Bir Shreshtha Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj. Fed Cup Football: Traditional rivals Mohammedan, Abahani start campaign on Tuesday Three matches will be held on the following day (Saturday)  at three separate venues across the country. The titans battle between two traditional rivals Dhaka Mohammedan SC and Dhaka Abahani Ltd will be held on Saturday at :2:30 pm at the Shaheed Dhirendranath Dutta Stadium in Cumilla. Last season's treble winners Bashundhara Kings will play joint league leader Rahmatganj MFS at 5:30 pm at the Bashundhara Kings Arena while Dhaka Wanderers Club will face Bangladesh Police FC at 2:30 pm at the Shaheed Barkat Stadium in Gazipur on Saturday. After the 2nd round matches, three teams --Dhaka Mohammedan SC, Dhaka Abahani Ltd and Rahmatganj MFS -- shared the top slot in the league table with all-win record securing full six points from straight two matches. Bashundhara Kings to play Dhaka Mohammedan Friday Brothers Union Club also maintained unbeaten run in the league collecting four points from two matches. Defending champions Bashundhara Kings went down in the race losing to Federation Cup runners up Mohammedan SC by 0-1 goal in the 2nd round match. They bagged three points from two outings.

FIFA has officially named Saudi Arabia as the host for the 2034 World Cup, marking a significant milestone for the Gulf nation as it continues its ambitious investment in global sports under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.  Saudi Arabia's bid was unopposed, with the decision confirmed during an online FIFA meeting led by President Gianni Infantino. The move received unanimous support, with over 200 member federations applauding virtually.  “The vote of the congress is loud and clear,” said Infantino, adding that he trusts Saudi Arabia to deliver a tournament that meets global expectations and serves as a “catalyst for positive social change and unity.”  The announcement also finalized plans for the 2030 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay hosting three matches to celebrate the tournament’s centenary.  Saudi Arabia’s hosting plan involves a major overhaul of infrastructure, including the construction and renovation of 15 stadiums, transportation networks, and accommodations, all part of the Vision 2030 modernization strategy. One proposed stadium in the futuristic city of Neom will be elevated 350 meters above ground, while another near Riyadh will be perched on a 200-meter cliff.  UN human rights chief pledges to advise FIFA and Saudi Arabia on 2034 World Cup concerns. Crown Prince Mohammed expressed his ambition to host an “exceptional and unprecedented” tournament, highlighting the country's capabilities to unite global football fans. However, the decision has drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups, with Amnesty International calling it a “moment of great danger” for workers, many of whom are migrants from South Asia.  “FIFA’s reckless decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia without ensuring adequate human rights protections will put countless lives at risk,” said Steve Cockburn, Amnesty International’s Head of Labor Rights and Sport.  Critics also argue that FIFA has not adequately addressed concerns stemming from Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, which faced scrutiny at the United Nations earlier this year. Many fear the kingdom’s vast spending on sports is an attempt to divert attention from such issues, a strategy often referred to as “sportswashing.”  Saudi Arabia’s deepening influence in global football includes sponsorships, investments in European clubs, and lucrative player contracts. This includes deals with FIFA, such as the state oil giant Aramco’s sponsorship and backing for the 2025 Club World Cup in the United States.    Source: With inputs from agencies

Former champions Dhaka Abahani Limited made a winning start  while last time's runners up Dhaka Mohammedan SC conceded defeat in the 10-team Federation Cup Football at two separate venues across the country on Tuesday. Dhaka Mohammedan SC, which shocked last season's treble winners Bashundhara Kings beating them by 1-0 goal in a BPL match last week, today (Tuesday) made a frustrating journey in Fed Cup Football losing to Rahmatganj MFS by 0-1 goal at the Bashundhara Kings Arena. This was the 2nd successive defeat for traditional black and whites Mohammedan at the Basundhara Kings Arena (ground)  this season after conceding 1-3 defeat against the Kings in the one-match Challenge Cup Football recently. Rajon Hawlader scored the match winning goal for the old Dhaka outfit Rahmatganj in the 83rd minute by an angular rebound shot (1-0). Rahmatganj started the season brilliantly winning all three matches after winning two consecutive  BPL matches.. Although, Rahmatganj winning the day' s match, but Mohammedan SC played a better game and they did everything except scoring goal from half dozen of good opportunities. Rahmatganj goalkeeper Mamun Alif   also performed brilliantly under the bar and foiled a series of Mohammedan good attempts. Fed Cup Football: Traditional rivals Mohammedan, Abahani start campaign on Tuesday Mohammedan SC were restricted to 10-men in the 85th minute as their player Shanto hit one of the opponent's booters. In the day's other match, Dhaka Abahani Ltd, without any foreign players,  made a flying start beating their minnow Chittagong Abahani Ltd by 3-0 goals at the Shaheed Dhirendranath Dutta Stadium in Cumilla on Tuesday. Sumon Reza opened the Abahani account in the 17th minute by a good header, off a Kamrul Islam free kick and led the first half by 1-0 goal. Mohammad Ibrahim doubled the Dhaka Abahani margin in the 76th minute by a placing shot (2-0) while Yeasin Khan sealed the fate of the scoring 3rd goal in the 88th minute (3-0).,  Earlier in the tournament opener on last Tuesday, Holders Bashundhara Kings managed 1-0 goal victory over Brothers Union Club while the other opening day's day's match between Bangladesh Police FC and Fortis FC ended in a goalless draw. Ten premier division league clubs, split into two groups, are initially participating  in the first phase of the Federation Cup Football at three venues in Dhaka, Mymensingh and Cumilla   Grouping of Federation Cup: Group A -Bashundhara Kings, Bangladesh Police FC, Fortis FC, Brothers Union Club and Dhaka Wanderers Club Group B - Mohammedan SC Ltd, Dhaka Abahani Ltd, Chattagram Abahani Ltd, Rahmatganj MFS and Fakirerpool Youngmen's Club. Later, top two teams from each of the groups will play in the meet's next round (qualification and elimination) like the Franchisee  Cricket League    

The US Embassy in Dhaka joined Bangladesh national women’s football team captain Sabina Khatun and her fellow SAFF Champions Maria Manda, Ritu Porna Chakma, and Masura Parvin, for an event to promote the USAID Healthier in Motion Wellness campaign at BRAC University campus. Students, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts came together to highlight the importance of physical and mental well-being, with an emphasis on empowering women and girls through activities traditionally dominated by men. US Embassy Chargé d’affaires, a.i. Megan Bouldin, along with BRAC University Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Syed Mahfuzul Aziz and Registrar Dr. David Dowland, led the event, noting the importance of creating a supportive environment for women and girls to overcome social barriers and provide equitable opportunities. The national women’s football team joined male and female students in a star-studded futsal match to highlight the role of sports in promoting gender equality and resilience. Students also engaged in a yoga session led by Shazia Omar, campaign ambassador and founder of Dhaka Flow, fostering a sense of mindfulness among attendees. The event also featured a series of dynamic sports and fitness activities, including football, yoga, and boxing, allowing students to explore diverse avenues for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The USAID Healthier in Motion campaign is organized in partnership with Khelbei Bangladesh and Dhaka Flow, and underscores U.S.-Bangladesh partnership to empower women and girls. The campaign addresses social and cultural barriers to promote an inclusive environment where individuals, particularly females, can prioritize their well-being and actively participate in physical activities. Healthier in Motion also features regional and national outreach events bringing together youth, women and communities alongside fitness professionals, health experts and celebrities to champion healthy lifestyles.    

Losing finalists last time Dhaka Mohammedan SC and former champions Dhaka Abahani Limited will start their campaign in the 10-team ongoing Federation Cup Football at two separate venues on Tuesday. Dhaka Mohammedan SC will play Rahmatganj MFS at 2:30 pm at the Bashundhara Kings Arena while Dhaka Abahani Ltd will meet their minnow Chittagong Abahani Ltd also at 2:30 pm at the Shaheed Dhirendranath Dutta Stadium in Cumilla. Earlier in the tournament opener on last Tuesday, Holders Bashundhara Kings managed 1-0 goal victory over Brothers Union Club while the other opening day's day's match between Bangladesh Police FC and Fortis FC ended in a goalless draw Ten premier division league clubs, split into two groups, are initially participating in the first phase of the Federation Cup Football at three venues in Dhaka, Mymensingh and Cumilla Grouping of Federation Cup: Group A -Bashundhara Kings, Bangladesh Police FC, Fortis FC, Brothers Union Club and Dhaka Wanderers Club Group B - Mohammedan SC Ltd, Dhaka Abahani Ltd, Chattagram Abahani Ltd, Rahmatganj MFS and Fakirerpool Youngmen's Club. Later, top two teams from each of the groups will play in the meet's next round (qualification and elimination) like the Franchisee Cricket League.

Losing finalists last time Dhaka Mohammedan SC and former champions Dhaka Abahani Limited will start their campaign in the 10-team ongoing Federation Cup Football at two separate venues on Tuesday. Dhaka Mohammedan SC will play Rahmatganj MFS at 2:30 pm at the Bashundhara Kings Arena while Dhaka Abahani Ltd will meet their minnow Chittagong Abahani Ltd also at 2:30 pm at the Shaheed Dhirendranath Dutta Stadium in Cumilla. Asian Cup Qualifiers: Bangladesh grouped with India, Hong Kong, Singapore Earlier in the tournament opener on last Tuesday, Holders Bashundhara Kings managed 1-0 goal victory over Brothers Union Club while the other opening day's day's match between Bangladesh Police FC and Fortis FC ended in a goalless draw  Ten premier division league clubs, split into two groups, are initially participating  in the first phase of the Federation Cup Football at three venues in Dhaka, Mymensingh and Cumilla Grouping of Federation Cup: Group A -Bashundhara Kings, Bangladesh Police FC, Fortis FC, Brothers Union Club and Dhaka Wanderers Club  BPL Football: Dhaka Abahani maintain winning start beating Wanderers 1-0 Group B - Mohammedan SC Ltd, Dhaka Abahani Ltd, Chattagram Abahani Ltd, Rahmatganj MFS and Fakirerpool Youngmen's Club. Later, top two teams from each of the groups will play in the meet's next round (qualification and elimination) like the Franchisee  Cricket League 

The ceremonial draw of the home and away basis AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia' 2027 Qualifiers was held today (Monday) at the AFC headquarter in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur. Twenty four Asian teams, split into six groups, will initially take part in home and away basis competition and later the six group champions will qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 in Saudi Arabia. Lowly Bangladesh (FiFA Ranked 185) put in four-team Group C of the AFC meet with top seed India (127),  Hong Kong (156) and Singapore (161) in 2025 and 2026. India will play their home match against Bangladesh on March 25, Bangladesh will host Singapore on June 10, Bangladeshi will also play their home match with Hong Kong home on October 9 next year. Bashundhara Kings to play Dhaka Mohammedan Friday Bangladesh will play their away match with Hong Kong on October 14, Bangladesh will host India on November 18 next year while playing their away match with Singapore on March 31, 2026. Eighteen teams including defending champions Qatar and hosts Saudi Arabia have already  assured the final round berth. The groupings are:   Group A: Tajikistan, Philippines, Maldives, Timor-Leste  Group B : Lebanon, Yemen, Bhutan,  Brunei Fed Cup Football: Holders Bashundhara Kings manage 1-0 win over Brothers Union in opener  Group C: Bangladesh, India, Hong Kong , Singapore Group D: Thailand, Turkmenistan, Chinese Taipei, Sri Lanka Group E: Syria, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Pakistan Group F: Vietnam, Malaysia, Nepal, Laos

Two days before FIFA confirms Saudi Arabia as the 2034 World Cup host, the United Nations’ top human rights official pledged Monday to try to ensure migrant labor standards are “properly respected” around the tournament. Saudi Arabia is the only candidate and sure to win Wednesday when FIFA will ask an online meeting of its 211 member federations to award the 2034 hosting rights by acclaim without an itemized vote. The oil-rich kingdom’s World Cup plan needs to build eight of the 15 promised stadiums from scratch, plus add 175,000 hotel rooms. It will rely heavily on migrant workers, often from South Asia, within a labor law framework that activist groups say does not protect them. On Monday, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, said his organization in Geneva was not directly engaged by FIFA on World Cup issues. “What we are involved in though is to make sure that indeed, in each and every major sporting event, human rights are part and parcel of the way that sports events are not only conceived but also conducted,” Türk said at a news conference on the eve of the UN’s annual Human Rights Day. Critics of FIFA say a Saudi-hosted World Cup risks repeating rights abuses seen during a decade of similar preparations for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Allegations of widespread labor abuses in Saudi Arabia are already part of an investigation by the UN-backed International Labor Organization (ILO) after a formal complaint by trade unions. Two United States senators have cited human rights in urging FIFA to find a different host for its marquee men’s event that earns billions of dollars in profit for the soccer body. “Whatever the decision is, to whoever is going to organize it, we will provide precisely that type of advice to the organizers,” Türk, an Austrian lawyer, said. “That will include also, of course, the need to make sure that migrant labor standards are properly respected and all the various other human rights dimensions of major sporting events.” FIFA has been criticized for not using its leverage ahead of the World Cup decision with Saudi Arabia, despite its president Gianni Infantino building close ties to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Saudi officials made some promises in a formal bid document to engage with the ILO and domestic agencies but not international groups like unions and rights groups that have limited or no access to work in the country.