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 Elmalı issued a statement late Monday explaining his involvement in the case after being withdrawn from the Turkey squad preparing for World Cup qualifying matches against Spain and Bulgaria.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.

-Applications for tickets for the 2026 World Cup open Sept. 10, FIFA said Tuesday. The next edition of the tournament, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, kicks off at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on June 11. Soccer's world governing body FIFA said that due to anticipated high demand tickets would be released in phases. It did not say if it would use dynamic pricing, as was the case for the Club World Cup, which saw ticket prices fluctuate wildly. Fernández warns of heat ahead of Chelsea-PSG final “We’re looking forward to welcoming the world back to North America, as Canada, Mexico and the United States host what will be the biggest and greatest sporting event ever," FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in a statement. “We encourage fans everywhere to get ready to secure their place — these will be the most coveted seats in world sport.”

FIFA has reached a key agreement with global footballers’ unions to introduce minimum rest standards aimed at safeguarding player welfare. The agreement includes a mandatory 72-hour rest period between matches and at least 21 consecutive days of vacation for players at the end of each season. This consensus was announced just ahead of the Club World Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea — a tournament that has drawn criticism for being held during Europe’s traditional offseason. Unions have expressed concern over rising player fatigue, injury risks, and insufficient recovery time due to the packed football calendar. Ahead of the month-long Club World Cup, there were growing demands from unions to address player burnout. France’s professional players’ union notably condemned the tournament, calling it essential to “stop this massacre” of athletes’ physical and mental well-being. Combing operation across Bangladesh from today: Home Adviser FIFA President Gianni Infantino and other officials met with union representatives in New York, calling the talks "progressive" and reaffirming that player health remains a "top priority." “There is consensus on a minimum 72-hour rest between games and a 21-day break after each season,” FIFA said, adding that clubs should coordinate these rest periods individually with players based on match schedules and existing collective agreements. Strict implementation of the 72-hour rule could significantly affect match scheduling and broadcast arrangements. For example, clubs in the Europa League often play on Thursday nights and resume domestic matches by Sunday — a practice that may no longer be feasible. In Germany, this could pose challenges. The Bundesliga had already scrapped unpopular Monday night games in 2021 after fan protests, even though those slots were originally intended to provide more rest for clubs in European competitions. The league's upcoming TV deal also excludes Monday fixtures. FIFA further stated that players should be allowed at least one rest day per week, and that travel logistics and climate factors will be considered when planning future tournaments. The expanded Club World Cup, now featuring 32 teams, has drawn ongoing criticism for adding to an already crowded football calendar. Scheduled to take place every four years between major international tournaments, the event has faced legal opposition in Europe, strike threats, and widespread concern over the toll on players’ health.

FIFA has significantly slashed standard ticket prices for the semifinal clash between Chelsea and Fluminense at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, reducing them from $473.90 to just $13.40. The decision comes as part of FIFA's dynamic pricing strategy for the ongoing 63-match tournament. In contrast, tickets for Wednesday's other semifinal in New Jersey, featuring European champions Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, start at $199.60. EU congratulates Bangladesh Women's Football team on Asian Cup qualification Earlier, FIFA had also cut ticket prices to as low as $11.15 for quarterfinal matches — one held in Orlando, Florida, between Fluminense and Al Hilal, and another in Philadelphia featuring Chelsea and Palmeiras. The steep price reductions, first reported by The Athletic, come amid concerns over low attendance at many tournament fixtures. Real Madrid has been the notable exception, attracting crowds of over 60,000 for each of its five games, including a record turnout of 76,611 during Saturday’s quarterfinal victory over Borussia Dortmund in New Jersey.

FIFA paid tribute to Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva before the Club World Cup quarterfinal games in the United States on Friday, following their tragic deaths in a car crash in Spain. The bodies of 28-year-old Jota and 25-year-old Silva were found near Zamora in northwestern Spain after the Lamborghini they were driving crashed and burst into flames on an isolated stretch of highway shortly after midnight on Thursday. At Camping World Stadium in Orlando, ahead of the match between Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal and Brazil’s Fluminense, players from both teams formed a circle at midfield as the video board displayed a photo of the Portuguese brothers. Spectators observed a moment of silence to honor them. A similar tribute took place at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, where Brazil's Palmeiras faced England’s Chelsea. A black-and-white photo of Jota and Silva was displayed on the stadium screen as players from both teams wore black armbands in remembrance. Diogo Jota and brother killed in Spain crash, Portugal prepares for funeral Chelsea player Pedro Neto, a Portugal national teammate and friend of Diogo Jota, made the sign of the cross as he walked onto the pitch with a jersey draped over his shoulder bearing the first names of Jota and André Silva. During the moment of silence, Neto held up the jersey with the help of teammate Enzo Fernández. Spanish police said the cause of the accident is under investigation, though no other vehicles were involved. Authorities suspect a blown tire may have caused the crash. The tragedy comes just two weeks after Jota married his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, while on vacation following Liverpool’s Premier League-winning season. The couple had three children, the youngest born last year. Silva played for Portuguese club Penafiel, which competes in the country’s lower football divisions.

FIFA has launched a disciplinary investigation at the Club World Cup after Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger accused Pachuca captain Gustavo Cabral of racially abusing him during their recent match. The incident took place in the closing minutes of Madrid’s 3-1 victory over Pachuca on Sunday in Charlotte, North Carolina. Rüdiger, who is Black, reported the alleged abuse to Brazilian referee Ramon Abatti, prompting the official to initiate FIFA’s anti-discrimination protocol by making the approved signal — raising his arms in an ‘X’ above his head. Ronaldo's Saudi club Al Nassr now without coach as Pioli leaves On Tuesday night, FIFA confirmed that formal disciplinary proceedings have been opened against Cabral. “Following a review of the match reports, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has initiated proceedings against Pachuca player Gustavo Cabral regarding the incident involving Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger,” FIFA stated. A decision is expected before Pachuca’s final Group H fixture against Al Hilal, scheduled for Thursday in Nashville. Regardless of the outcome, Pachuca will not progress beyond the group stage, as the Mexican side cannot finish higher than third place. Cabral, 39, has denied the accusation of racism, stating that he used language considered a common insult in Argentina.  

In the end, not even the influence of Saudi Arabia or FIFA President Gianni Infantino could bring Cristiano Ronaldo to the Club World Cup. Infantino made a public push last month, even using an interview with YouTuber iShowSpeed to appeal directly to clubs. "If any club is watching and is interested in hiring Ronaldo for the Club World Cup...," he said, hinting at the possibility of a short-term move. With Ronaldo’s contract at Saudi club Al-Nassr nearing its end, FIFA opened a special mini transfer window tailored for its newly rebranded tournament—paving the way for a temporary deal that could have allowed the Real Madrid legend to participate. Given Ronaldo’s strong ties to Saudi Arabia—where he has become a central figure in the kingdom’s bold campaign to attract global football stars—speculation quickly swirled about a possible move to Al Hilal, Saudi Arabia’s most decorated club and the country’s sole Club World Cup participant. However, a major roadblock stood in the way: Al Hilal and Al-Nassr are fierce cross-town rivals in Riyadh. Despite both clubs being majority-owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, switching allegiances—even temporarily—was deemed unacceptable. "While we all respect Ronaldo as a massive player, it goes completely against the logic to sign your biggest rival's top player, even just for three or four weeks," Al Hilal CEO Esteve Calzada told the BBC. Still, the mere existence of such rumors speaks volumes about the extent to which Saudi Arabia is willing—and able—to stretch the boundaries of modern sport. The oil-rich kingdom has already disrupted golf with LIV, become a dominant force in boxing, secured its place on the F1 calendar, and attracted top-tier tennis tournaments. Among all these ventures, its football ambitions stand out the most. Saudi Arabia has secured hosting rights for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, taken control of Premier League club Newcastle United, and recruited a lineup of football superstars to a domestic league that remains well behind its European and South American counterparts in prestige. Yet, even with immense resources and FIFA's flexibility, bringing Ronaldo to this year's Club World Cup proved a step too far. Asia Cup Archery: Bangladeshi archer Abdur Rahman Alif enters gold medal race, Himu Bachar battle for bronze medal Which is why it is perhaps surprising that Al Hilal arrives at the Club World Cup without the type of global star Saudi Arabian clubs have been collecting since Ronaldo's move opened the floodgates at the end of 2022. The four-time Asian champion did have Brazil great Neymar - signed for $94 million in 2023 - but he was released in January after an ACL injury reduced him to just seven appearances. A move was made for Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes just before the Club World Cup, but the Portugal midfielder rejected the offer. There are big money recruits in the form of Aleksandar Mitrovic, Joao Cancelo, Kalidou Koulibaly and Ruben Neves. But perhaps the significant acquisition was Simone Inzaghi, who left Italian giant Inter Milan earlier this month to become arguably the highest profile coach to head to Saudi Arabia. “My ambition, the ambition of the club, is to try to grow more, to try to make Al Hilal become one of the best football clubs,” he said ahead of his first game in charge - against 15-time European champion Real Madrid at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium on Wednesday. “I believe the time has come to get out of my comfort zone.” Madrid versus Al Hilal could be seen as a case of soccer's old money versus a seemingly unstoppable disrupter. Madrid is the biggest powerhouse in the world's most popular sport - its most successful and most storied team. Soccer, however, is witnessing an undoubted powershift and Saudi Arabia is a coming force. “Sometimes we just focus on what’s going on in Europe, and we think there’s nothing else beyond Europe. We’re too focused on Europe," Madrid coach Xabi Alonso said.

A group of international lawyers filed a formal complaint to FIFA on Thursday claiming the soccer body is failing to uphold its human rights policy with 2034 World Cup host Saudi Arabia. The filing using FIFA’s own online portal for grievance reporting was made by FIFA’s former anti-corruption adviser Mark Pieth, Swiss lawyer Stefan Wehrenberg and British barrister Rodney Dixon. Their offers to advise FIFA on human rights compliance were ignored before Saudi Arabia was confirmed last December as the 2034 host by acclamation without a rival bidder, reports AP. “As highlighted in this complaint, widespread human rights abuses continue to be perpetrated in Saudi Arabia, and no steps are being taken by FIFA to address these in the buildup to the World Cup,” the lawyers state in a 30-page document. “Instead, it appears it is business as usual with no changes to be made,” the complaint said hours before FIFA opens its first annual congress of 211 member federations since the Saudi hosting win in an online meeting. FIFA president Gianni Infantino was due for an unprecedented last-minute arrival at the congress in Paraguay after joining US President Donald Trump on a state visit to Saudi Arabia. The oil-rich kingdom has repeatedly said it is increasing freedoms as part of the Vision 2030 program to modernize its society and economy. Migrant workers dying on Saudi worksites ahead of World Cup: HRW Infantino has tied FIFA’s finances and politics closer to Saudi’s de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, since before the 2018 World Cup. Infantino and Trump then had meetings on Wednesday in neighbouring Qatar, the 2022 World Cup host which faced a decade of intense scrutiny for its human rights record and treatment of migrant workers needed to build stadiums and infrastructure for the tournament. Saudi Arabia has begun a similarly massive construction program for the 2034 tournament which has more teams, more games and needs more stadiums which include designs more extravagant than the eight used in Qatar. “Saudi Arabia has been chosen as the next host country despite its appalling human rights record, including violations relating to freedom of expression, arbitrary arrest, detention and mistreatment, migrants’ rights and women’s rights,” the lawyers’ complaint said. FIFA’s human rights policy was published in 2017 mandating bidders for the men’s 2026 World Cup — being co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico — to“respecting international human rights and labor standards according to the United Nations’ guiding principles.” In a recent letter to Human Rights Watch, which this week detailed alleged abuses of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, FIFA stated its “steadfast commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights in the context of its operations.” The lawyers’ complaint urges FIFA to see “there remains an opportunity for meaningful reforms in Saudi Arabia, driven by the implementation of FIFA’s obligations under its policy.”

Canadian professional footballer Shamit Shome has received clearance from FIFA Players Status Committee to play for Bangladesh national football team. The 27-year-old midfielder, who currently plays for Cavalry FC in the Canadian Premier League, is now eligible to represent Bangladesh in international competitions, Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) confirmed on Tuesday. His debut is expected in the upcoming Asian Cup Qualifier against Singapore, scheduled to be held in Dhaka on June 10. He is set to feature alongside English Premier League footballer Hamza Dewan Choudhury. Ankle injury ruled out Taskin from action for another month  The process of naturalising Shome to play for Bangladesh began in April. He obtained his birth certificate on April 20, followed by a clearance certificate from the Canada Soccer Association on May 1. He received his Bangladeshi passport on May 5 and finally secured approval from the FIFA Players’ Status Committee on May 6. Born and raised in Canada to Bangladeshi parents, Shome previously played two international matches for the Canadian national team in 2020. Earlier on March 25, Hamza Choudhury made his debut for Bangladesh in a match against India.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino praised the impact of expanded tournaments in the development of soccer around the world in a video message to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Congress on Saturday. Speaking from the United States, host of this year's Club World Cup which will feature 32 teams in June and July instead of the previous seven, Infantino addressed the 46 member associations gathered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, AP reports. “Opportunities to face opponents from different continents don’t come along too often and that is something that we have been trying to change at FIFA,” said Infantino, who has pushed for bigger and new tournaments since taking his position in 2016 in a bid to generate more revenue for the organization’s 211 member associations. Asia will have four representatives at the Club World Cup: Al-Ain of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal, Ulsan HD of South Korea and Japan’s Urawa Reds. “In total, players from more nations will represent their respective countries at this tournament than at all of the FIFA World Cups combined since 1930,” added Infantino. “It is further proof in our desire to make football truly global.” While there has been some criticism of expanded tournaments in Europe because of the increased demands placed on players, AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa said Infantino had Asia’s support. BPL Football: Rahmatganj MFS, Police FC win respective matches on resumption week “This is a competition that we have supported as a confederation and a competitive opportunity which our members, and their clubs, have wanted,” the AFC president said. The United States will also co-host the 2026 World Cup along with Mexico and Canada in the first tournament to feature 48 national teams, an increase from 32 in 2022. “Some teams will break new ground in reaching that competition as a result, not only of the move to 48 teams with eight or even nine Asian teams now being able to qualify, but also a product of the tireless work being done by you all,” added Infantino. Infantino did not mention Thursday’s proposal by Alejandro Dominguez, the president of South American soccer’s ruling body CONMEBOL, that the 2030 World Cup, which will be hosted by six nations, feature 64 teams in order to mark the centennial celebration of the tournament. In March, FIFA said it would look into the South American proposal when it was first broached by a Uruguayan official. Uruguay hosted the first World Cup in 1930. The 1930 World Cup, won by the host Uruguay side, featured 13 teams which did not have to pre-qualify — seven from South America, four from Europe and two from North America. Many European teams did not participate because of the difficulty of traveling to South America during the Great Depression.