United News of Bangladesh

Soccer fans have accused FIFA of a “monumental betrayal” after latest prices for World Cup tickets began to circulate on Thursday. The governing body allocates 8% of tickets to national associations for games involving their team to sell to the most loyal fans. And a list published by the German soccer federation revealed prices ranged from $180-$700 for varying group stage games. The lowest price for the final was $4,185 and the highest was $8,680. Those group-stage prices are very different from FIFA’s claims of $60 tickets being available, while the target from United States soccer officials when bidding for the tournament seven years ago was to offer hundreds of thousands of $21 seats across the opening phase of games. Fan organization Football Supporters Europe (FSE) described the current prices as “extortionate.” “This is a monumental betrayal of the tradition of the World Cup, ignoring the contribution of supporters to the spectacle it is,” it said in a statement. The English Football Association shared pricing information with the England Supporters Travel Club (ESTC) on Thursday evening, which showed that if a fan bought a ticket for every game through to the final it would cost just over $7,000. FIFA said in September that tickets released through its website would initially range from $60 for group-stage matches to $6,730 for the final. But those prices are subject to change as it adopts dynamic pricing for the first time at the World Cup. FIFA tickets are available in four categories, with the best seats in Category 1. In the price list published by the German federation, there were only three categories. The lowest priced ticket was $180 for Germany’s opening group game against Curacao in Houston. The lowest price for the semifinal was $920 rising to $1,125. The FSE called on FIFA to immediately halt ticket sales via national associations “until a solution that respects the tradition, universality, and cultural significance of the World Cup is found.” The Associated Press approached FIFA for comment. Latest phase FIFA launched its third phase of widespread ticket sales Thursday, with fans now able to apply for specific matches for the first time through its “Random Selection Draw.” Following last week's draw for the 2026 tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, an updated schedule has been published. That means fans know when and where the likes of Lionel Messi and Argentina will play. Previous ticket ballots were blind as the qualification period had not even been completed and the draw was yet to take place. Now participating nations have been placed in groups, with their paths through the tournament determined. For instance, Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo could go on to meet in the quarterfinals in Kansas City if both Argentina and Portugal top their respective groups. Not that fans are guaranteed to get tickets to the games they apply for. The draw opened Dec. 11 at 11 a.m. ET (1600 GMT) and closes Jan. 13, 2026. FIFA says ticket applications can be made at any point during this window and the timing of entry will not impact the chances of success. Fans can apply via FIFA's website for a maximum of four tickets per household per match and a maximum of 40 tickets throughout the tournament. Fans will need a FIFA ID to apply for tickets and can pick which matches and which pricing category they want to apply for. Successful applicants will be notified by email in February and charged automatically. Prices The last time the U.S. hosted the World Cup in 1994 prices ranged from $25 to $475. In Qatar in 2022 prices ranged from around $70 to $1,600 when ticket details were announced. Tickets for the final at MetLife Stadium on July 19 are already going for in excess of $11,000 on secondary resale sites. For this tournament FIFA has also set up its own resale platform where it charges a 15% fee based on the total resale price. FIFA said that closer to the tournament any remaining tickets will go on general sale on a first-come, first-served basis. It did not reveal a time frame for the release of those remaining tickets.

Verona’s ancient Roman Arena is set for a modern renovation, with major upgrades to improve accessibility for people with disabilities ahead of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Games. The venue will host the Olympic closing ceremony and the Paralympic opening ceremony. Dating back to the 1st century, the Arena has served many purposes — from staging gladiatorial combat and exotic animal hunts in Roman times to functioning as a Medieval marketplace — and is now best known as the site of a celebrated opera festival. Despite its long history, the massive structure has never been properly adapted for visitors with disabilities or others requiring mobility support. Several temporary safety measures have also remained in place for years without being modernized. The forthcoming Games have created an opportunity to upgrade both accessibility and safety at the Arena — a landmark older than the Colosseum — before it welcomes an expected 11,000 spectators for the Feb. 22 Olympic closing ceremony and nearly 10,000 for the Paralympic opening ceremony on March 6. “This is an ancient monument that is some 2,000 years old, that remains active and hosts audiences,” said architect Giulio Fenyves, whose Milan studio designed the new safety and accessibility features. “The occasion of the Olympics has made it possible to reconsider a series of logistical aspects, including facilitating the entry and exit, precisely because it continues to host major events with thousands of people,” Fenyves said. The facelift is part of a 18 million euro ($21 million) project that improves accessibility for the entire area surrounding the Arena and is being overseen by the governmental company responsible for Olympic infrastructure. The works include making a kilometer-stretch of sidewalks from Verona’s main train station to the Arena safer for wheelchairs or baby strollers by building small curb ramps. Dedicated bike lanes are also being built. Paralympians participating in the Parade of Athletes up Corso Porta Nuova, across Piazza Bra, and into the Arena will find that the route has been significantly upgraded for people who require wheelchairs or have other mobility issues. The work is being coordinated with officials responsible for the preservation of the monument as well as those overseeing accessibility codes to bring the structure more in line with current legislation. The new elements “must be integrated in the most delicate and harmonious way possible to a monument that is both robust and fragile at the same time,” Fenyves said. Inside the Arena, the centerpiece project is a wheelchair-accessible ramp clad with pre-rusted steel and the same Prun stone from the Lessinia hills above Verona that was used by the Romans to build the Arena. The local stone gives the Arena its pinkish-yellow hue and contains fossilized shells — remnants of a prehistoric sea that once covered this region now known for hills and vineyards. The ramp will be removable, but project manager Paolo Zecchinelli said he hopes that it will be retained as a legacy of the Games. Until now, people with wheelchairs or walkers approached from a natural slope leading down from the adjacent Piazza Bra. In addition to the ramp that is meant to blend with the Arena’s original features, the local organizing committee is planning an ad hoc temporary ramp to accommodate not only disabled spectators and athletes, but also the elderly, families with children and anyone needing assistance. The overall project also includes a new railing along the top level of the Arena to replace one built in the 1950s that was meant to be temporary, as well as new handrails at varied heights on internal stairways and at the 72 entrances to the tiered seats. Bathrooms are being renovated by the city, and the infrastructure company is making new ramps to make them more accessible. Work will continue after the Olympics and Paralympics, including the installation of an elevator that will allow people with limited mobility to reach the Arena's uppermost level, either to watch a show or take in a view of the surrounding hills. “A part will remain as a gift to the city, which will help this beautiful monument to be more accessible both to people who tour it and those who attend opera performances and other concerts,” Zecchinelli said.

Devon Conway compiled a composed half-century in a 67-run stand with Kane Williamson to guide New Zealand to 112-2 at lunch on Thursday, the second day of the second Test against the West Indies. The hosts added 88 runs in the morning session, responding to the West Indies’ first-innings total of 205, on a Basin Reserve pitch that continued to offer pace and movement for the quicks. Kemar Roach struck early, removing Tom Latham for 11 in the fifth over of the day with a delivery that seamed back and hit off stump. Williamson, who looked settled on his way to 37, was undone just before lunch by a superb Anderson Phillip delivery that pitched on middle and straightened enough to clip off stump. Conway went into the interval unbeaten on 55, while Rachin Ravindra was batting on 5. Conway enjoyed a life on 29 when Brandon King dropped him at leg gully off Jayden Seales, and Williamson survived a tough return chance to Phillip on 22. Cummins returns for third Ashes Test as Australia aims to seal series West Indies’ seamers worked hard to unsettle Conway, alternating between attacking his pads from around the wicket and moving the ball across him from over the wicket. The surface hardened overnight, offering consistent bounce and sharp movement from a good length. Ravindra, who struck 171 in the second innings of the drawn first Test, got off the mark shortly before lunch with an edge that flew between slip and gully. Meanwhile, New Zealand confirmed that fast bowler Blair Tickner, who dislocated his left shoulder on day one after taking 4-32, has rejoined the squad but will not bowl or field again in the match. He will bat only if required. The opening Test in Christchurch ended in a draw. The series finale begins Dec. 18 at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. Source: AP 

Arsenal’s Marli Salmon became the sixth-youngest footballer to appear in the Champions League after coming on as a late substitute during the team’s 3-0 victory over Club Brugge on Wednesday. The teenage defender, aged 16 years and 103 days, replaced Ben White at the Jan Breydelstadion. Manager Mikel Arteta said the coaching staff had long anticipated giving him his first minutes on Europe’s biggest stage. “We knew we would have to use him at some point,” Arteta said. “He’s only 16 and he’s already playing in the Champions League.” Despite his age, Salmon is not Arsenal’s youngest debutant this season. That honor belongs to Max Dowman, who was 15 years and 308 days old when he featured as a second-half substitute against Slavia Prague last month. UEFA records show Salmon is the third player aged 16 or below to represent Arsenal in the Champions League, following Dowman and former midfielder Jack Wilshere. Liverpool beat Inter without Salah; Barcelona and Bayern clinch comeback wins Arteta credited the academy for preparing young prospects. “This is why so much effort goes into developing these players. When we need them, they’re ready to step in,” he said. Dowman holds the record as the youngest player ever to appear in the competition, surpassing Youssoufa Moukoko’s 2020 mark set at 16 years and 18 days. Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal is listed as the third youngest after debuting at 16 years, 68 days in 2023. Wearing the No. 89 shirt, Salmon is regarded by Arsenal as a technically strong, ball-playing central defender. He entered the academy setup at Under-11 level. Wednesday’s match marked his first Champions League outing before making any senior league or domestic cup appearance. He previously played for Arsenal’s U21s in the Football League Trophy in September.

Egypt and Iran, two Middle East nations which target gays and lesbians, have complained to FIFA over a World Cup soccer match in Seattle that is planned to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride. Leaders in the nation's soccer federations publicly rebuked the idea of playing the match June 26 at Seattle Stadium, which local organizers say will include a “once-in-a-lifetime moment to showcase and celebrate LGBTQIA+ communities in Washington.” In Egypt, the soccer federation issued a statement late Tuesday saying it sent a letter to FIFA “categorically rejecting any activities related to supporting homosexuality during the match.” Seattle PrideFest has been organized in the city since 2007 by a nonprofit which designated the June 26 game for celebration before FIFA made the World Cup draw Friday. FIFA chose Saturday to allocate the Egypt-Iran game to Seattle instead of Vancouver, where the teams' group rivals Belgium and New Zealand will play at the same time. Already, organizers in Seattle have promoted an art contest for the game, including one entry of a rainbow-flagged sun rising over Mount Rainier as a crab goalie goes for a soccer ball while holding a cup of coffee in its pinchers. “With matches on Juneteenth and pride, we get to show the world that in Seattle, everyone is welcome,” Seattle's Mayor-elect Kate Wilson wrote on social media. “What an incredible honor!” FIFA controls only stadiums and official fan zones in World Cup host cities and should have no formal authority over community events like Seattle PrideFest. FIFA declined comment Tuesday to the Associated Press, and did not address a question if it would consider switching the Belgium-New Zealand game to Seattle. Angry response in Iran, Egypt In Iran, where gays and lesbians can face the death penalty, the president of Iran’s Football Federation Mehdi Taj criticized scheduling the match during an interview aired on state television late Monday. Taj said Iran would bring up the issue during a FIFA Council meeting in Qatar next week. The longest-serving member of the 37-person council chaired by FIFA President Gianni Infantino is Egypt's Hany Abo Rida. “Both Egypt and we have objected, because this is an unreasonable and illogical move that essentially signals support for a particular group, and we must definitely address this point,” Taj said. State TV on Tuesday confirmed a complaint would be sent to FIFA. The Egypt soccer federation led by Ado Rida said of the pride celebration it “completely rejects such activities, which directly contradict the cultural, religious and social values in the region, especially in Arab and Islamic societies.” It urged FIFA to stop the celebration to “avoid activities that may trigger cultural and religious sensitivity between the presented spectators of both countries, Egypt and Iran, especially as such activities contradict the cultures and religions of the two countries.” Iran had threatened to boycott the World Cup draw in Washington, DC over complaints about five of its nine-person delegation, including Taj, not getting visas to enter the United States. Iranians are subject to a travel ban imposed by President Donald Trump’s administration and the U.S. in the past has denied visas for those with ties to Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, like Taj. Iran ended up sending a smaller delegation including the team's coach. Tensions remain high between Tehran and Washington over Iran's nuclear program, particularly after American warplanes bombed atomic sites in the country during Israel's 12-day war with the Islamic Republic in June. Unlike the 2022 World Cup, however, Iran is not scheduled to play the United States in the World Cup's opening matches. Seattle's response Asked about the complaint Wednesday, Seattle's organizing committee said it was “moving forward as planned with our community programming outside the stadium during Pride weekend and throughout the tournament.” “The Pacific Northwest is home to one of the nation’s largest Iranian-American communities, a thriving Egyptian diaspora and rich communities representing all nations we’re hosting in Seattle,” spokesperson Hana Tadesse said in a statement. "We’re committed to ensuring all residents and visitors experience the warmth, respect and dignity that defines our region.” Iran, Egypt target LGBTQ+ community For years, Egyptian police have targeted gays and lesbians, sparking warnings even from the app Grindr in the past. Though Egypt technically does not outlaw homosexuality, authorities frequently prosecute members of the LGBTQ+ community on the grounds of “debauchery,” or “violating public decency.” Iran also has targeted the LGBTQ community and its theocracy is believed to have executed thousands of people for their sexuality since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Hard-line former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad once famously went as far as to claim during a 2007 visit to the United States: “We don’t have homosexuals like in your country.” A crowd at Columbia University responded by laughing and heckling the leader. FIFA dilemma FIFA risks being accused of a double standard if it sides with World Cup teams' federations over the city of Seattle. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, FIFA fiercely defended the right of the host nation's cultural norms to be respected in full by visiting teams. A group of European federations wanted their team captains to wear a “One Love” armband with some rainbow colors that symbolized human rights and diversity, which FIFA and Qatari officials viewed in part as criticism of the emirate criminalizing same-sex relations. Some Wales fans had rainbow hats removed before entering the stadium. Qatar also will play in Seattle at the World Cup, on June 24 against a European opponent which could be Italy or Wales.

Bangladesh leg spinner Rishad Hossain has left for Australia to take part in the upcoming Big Bash League, where he will play for defending champions Hobart Hurricanes. With this, his dream is coming into true, as he was unable to play last season as the BCB did not grant him the No-Objection Certificate.  Rishad is the only Bangladeshi cricketer after Shakib Al Hasan to play this Australian league.  This time, the clearance came early, which also kept Rishad out of the Bangladesh Premier League auction. Hobart retained their faith in him during the draft, calling him in the second round. Before that, they secured England fast bowler Chris Jordan as their first overseas pick, and later added another English leg spinner, Rehan Ahmed, in the fourth round. Jordan has been a key figure for Hobart over the last two seasons, taking seven wickets during their title-winning campaign last year and nine wickets the previous season. He remains the Hurricanes’ preferred option in the death overs and was their top overseas priority once again. With Rishad and Rehan both in the squad, two of Hobart’s three overseas slots are now occupied by leg spinners who can also contribute with the bat. Mushtaq backs Rishad for Test, citing his height and bounce advantage Rehan brings stronger red-ball batting credentials, with six first-class centuries, while Rishad has featured in ninety-six recognized T20 matches, scoring one fifty at a strike rate of 134.39. Rehan last played competitive cricket in mid-November and recently recovered from injury, which British media say will not affect his Big Bash availability. Only three overseas players can feature in a match-day eleven, making competition for places intense. Fast bowler Nathan Ellis led the team last season. The new Big Bash season begins on December 14, with Hobart Hurricanes setting to play their opening match on December 16.  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday congratulated the Bangladesh youth hockey team after lifting the Challenger division of the Youth Hockey World Cup, calling it a source of pride for the nation. In a congratulatory message, Prof Yunus said the players’ success had uplifted the country and reflected their hard work, discipline, team unity and indomitable spirit. He noted that the team’s performance had further strengthened Bangladesh’s presence on the international sporting stage. The Chief Adviser also credited the collective efforts of the players, the dedication of the coaching staff and the support of all concerned for making the triumph possible. Prof Yunus expressed hope that the victory would open a new chapter to flourish the county’s hockey. Maintaining the momentum of progress and excellence, he added, would create greater opportunities for the youth to achieve even bigger successes in the future. Bangladesh secured the Challenger title on Monday in Madurai, India, with a commanding 5–2 victory over Austria in the final. This year, the International Hockey Federation introduced the Challenger division for the classification round involving eight teams eliminated in the group stage of the Youth World Cup.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing formal complaints to the soccer body’s ethics investigators over his public backing of U.S. President Donald Trump and the awarding of a peace prize to him. London-based human rights group FairSquare said Tuesday it requested investigations into Infantino for allegedly violating FIFA’s statutory duty to remain politically neutral. FIFA said its ethics committee does not comment on potential ongoing cases and could not confirm receipt of the complaint. Under FIFA rules, breaches of neutrality can lead to bans of up to two years, though it is unclear if the case will proceed. Critics note that FIFA-appointed ethics investigators are now seen as less independent than in the era of former president Sepp Blatter. Infantino’s ‘Peace Prize’ for Trump sparks debate over FIFA’s political neutrality Infantino has publicly praised Trump this year, including suggesting he deserved a Nobel Peace Prize. He also aligned FIFA closely with the U.S. ahead of the 2026 men’s World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Trump received the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize last week as Infantino launched the tournament draw in Washington, D.C. FairSquare said in an eight-page complaint that awarding a prize to a sitting political leader “is a clear breach of FIFA’s duty of neutrality.” The group also criticized Infantino for potentially acting without proper authority. FairSquare has previously challenged FIFA over Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, the influence of World Cup sponsor Aramco, governance standards, and slow investigations into Israeli settlement teams. Source: AP 

Australia’s 15-man squad for next week’s third Ashes Test features just one notable addition — captain Pat Cummins, who is set to bolster the pace attack when the series resumes in Adelaide. Selectors retained a larger squad to maintain flexibility ahead of the Dec. 17 match, with Cummins and off-spinner Nathan Lyon both expected to return to the starting XI. Australia leads the five-Test series 2-0 and needs only a draw at Adelaide Oval to retain the Ashes. Cummins has been sidelined since Australia’s 3-0 sweep of the West Indies in July, when he began experiencing the back soreness that kept him out of the opening two Tests. Lyon, who was unexpectedly dropped for the team’s eight-wicket win at the Gabba, has been cleared to play and is set to reunite with the attack. McCullum blames England’s Ashes slump on overtraining, opts for beach reset The remaining fitness concern is opener Usman Khawaja, who is recovering from a back complaint. The 38-year-old remains optimistic about being available, though it is uncertain whether he will reclaim his spot. In his absence, Travis Head partnered Jake Weatherald in Brisbane, scoring 33 and 22 after his match-winning century in Perth. Australia squad: Pat Cummins (captain), Steve Smith, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster. Source: AP 

Liverpool proved they could cope without Mohamed Salah on Tuesday, securing a crucial 1-0 Champions League win over Inter Milan thanks to a late penalty. With Salah left out following his criticism of the club last week, Dominik Szoboszlai took over spot-kick duties and calmly converted an 88th-minute penalty to seal the victory against one of the tournament’s standout teams. The win was especially important for Arne Slot’s side after managing just one victory in their previous six matches. Liverpool climbed to eighth, regaining momentum in the race for a direct place in the round of 16, while Inter slipped to fifth. Two-goal Fernandes inspires Manchester United to 4-1 win over Wolves Earlier, Ibrahima Konate thought he had given Liverpool the lead, but the goal was overturned after a lengthy VAR review found a handball in the buildup. VAR later awarded Liverpool the decisive penalty after spotting Alessandro Bastoni pulling Florian Wirtz’s shirt. Bayern’s young star impresses againBayern Munich moved to second in their group after a 3-1 comeback win over Sporting Lisbon, highlighted by 17-year-old Lennart Karl’s stunning volley — his third goal in four Champions League appearances. Bayern overturned Joshua Kimmich’s early own-goal with strikes from Serge Gnabry, Karl and Jonathan Tah. Alphonso Davies made his first appearance since March after recovering from a knee injury. Chelsea fallsChelsea suffered a 2-1 defeat to Atalanta, ending nearly three months without a Champions League loss. Joao Pedro scored first, but Atalanta hit back through Gianluca Scamacca before Charles De Ketelaere set up the equaliser and netted the 83rd-minute winner. Chelsea dropped to 11th. Barcelona, Spurs and others winJules Koundé’s two quick headers gave Barcelona a 2-1 comeback win over Eintracht Frankfurt, with Lamine Yamal setting a Champions League record for most combined goals and assists by a player under 19. Tottenham moved up to ninth with a 3-0 win over Slavia Prague, a match marred by controversy over the removal of a rainbow flag. Elsewhere, Julián Alvarez led Atletico Madrid to a 3-2 victory at PSV, Marseille edged Union Saint-Gilloise 3-2, Monaco beat Galatasaray 1-0, and Olympiakos earned a 1-0 win at Kairat Almaty. Source: AP