United News of Bangladesh

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Sunday that FIFA President Gianni Infantino was not the right man to lead world soccer’s governing body in the latest fallout from the now abandoned plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. “I do not believe that he is the right man to lead football forward on the world stage," Burnham said. “The plan that was put forward was offensive to many people, football people, around the world, and it can’t be the case that we just move on and forget that, it wasn’t acceptable." On Saturday, European soccer's governing body UEFA said it had lost confidence in FIFA’s leadership — possibly paving the way for a challenge to Infantino’s presidency. The governing body for North and Central American and Caribbean soccer (CONCACAF) said FIFA leadership had “stopped putting football first.” Infantino was forced into a backdown over his controversial plans to sell World Cup profits through a commercial subsidiary that would run its top competitions. Infantino’s plans fell apart after UEFA’s 55-member nations agreed Thursday to boycott the World Cup and all other FIFA competitions. CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation also said they opposed the plan. Despite Infantino's climbdown, UEFA said it would work with other confederations to "devise a plan to make sure that it cannot occur again.” “No option should be off the table,” it said. While Infantino has received pockets of public support from associations including 2022 World Cup host Qatar, Burnham's words were further evidence of the anger generated by his plans. The next FIFA presidential election is in March in Rabat, Morocco. The deadline for candidates to enter the presidential contest is Nov. 18, exactly four months ahead of the vote.

UEFA has declared it has no confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino after he abandoned a controversial plan to sell a stake in World Cup profits to private investors, deepening a leadership crisis in world football. The proposal sought to place FIFA’s commercial operations, including the men’s and women’s World Cups, into a $20 billion company with 20% owned by private investors. The plan collapsed on Saturday following strong opposition from UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), CONCACAF and an internal revolt within FIFA. Infantino drops World Cup investment plan after strong backlash from football leaders Aleksander Čeferin, UEFA President, said the current FIFA leadership had lost the confidence of Europe and many others in global football, insisting those responsible for the proposal must be held accountable. CONCACAF also demanded a full review of FIFA’s leadership, calling the initiative another example of poor governance. The backlash intensified after FIFA senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned and chief operating officer Kevin Lamour criticized the proposal as the project of "one person." Infantino has previously withdrawn controversial plans, including a $25 billion SoftBank-backed competition in 2018 and a biennial World Cup proposal in 2021. Despite being re-elected unopposed in 2019 and 2023, Infantino now faces mounting pressure ahead of FIFA's next presidential election. Candidate nominations close on Nov. 18, with the vote scheduled for March in Rabat, Morocco. Qatar’s Football Association backed Infantino’s decision to withdraw the proposal, saying unity should take priority.

Kazi Salahuddin has been re-elected president of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) without a contest, keeping his grip on the region’s football administration despite leaving the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) last year. The election was held at SAFF’s congress in Thimphu, Bhutan, on Saturday. Salahuddin was the only candidate after receiving nominations from the football associations of Nepal and Bhutan. Salahuddin, a former Bangladesh national team player, had served as BFF president for 16 years before stepping down after the political change in 2024. But he has remained SAFF president since first taking the post in 2009, extending his tenure at the regional body to 17 years. His path to another term was cleared after SAFF amended its constitution, removing the 70-year age limit and the rule restricting presidents to two terms. The current BFF leadership did not back his candidacy, but Salahuddin moved ahead with support from Nepal and Bhutan. BFF vice-president Sabbir Ahmed Aref was also named a SAFF executive committee member at the congress.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has abandoned his controversial plan to bring private investors into the commercial side of the World Cup after facing strong opposition from football governing bodies, senior FIFA officials and national associations. Infantino announced on Friday that he was withdrawing the proposal, saying it had created divisions that were no longer in the best interests of world football. "After listening carefully to all views, it has become clear that the project has created divisions that outweigh its intended benefits," he said in a statement. The decision came less than two weeks after Infantino celebrated what FIFA described as the successful conclusion of its expanded World Cup, which generated record revenue and strengthened his position ahead of next year's FIFA presidential election. What was the proposal? The plan would have created a new FIFA subsidiary, called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), to manage the organisation's commercial business, including World Cup broadcasting rights, sponsorship, ticket sales and hospitality. FIFA planned to raise about $4.2 billion by selling around a 20 percent stake in the new company. The lead investor was expected to be Thrive Eternal, an investment firm launched by Joshua Kushner, whose brother Jared Kushner is US President Donald Trump's son-in-law. Under the proposal, each of FIFA's 211 member associations would have received $20 million from the investment, double the current amount they are due over the next four years. FIFA also projected higher payments in future World Cup cycles. Why did it face opposition? The proposal drew criticism from several FIFA vice presidents, senior FIFA executives, UEFA, football bodies in Asia and North America, national leagues and political leaders. Many feared that private investors would push for larger tournaments and more matches to increase profits, putting further pressure on an already crowded international football calendar. Critics also said Infantino developed the proposal without properly consulting football stakeholders. UEFA took the strongest position, warning that European football associations could boycott FIFA competitions unless the plan was withdrawn. Europe's teams regularly dominate FIFA tournaments, making UEFA's opposition particularly significant. Support remained limited Infantino's traditional supporters in Africa largely stayed neutral, while South American football body CONMEBOL said it would carefully review the proposal before taking a position. Many smaller football associations stood to benefit financially from the increased funding, while wealthier football nations showed less interest in the offer. Questions over Infantino's future Although Infantino has now dropped the proposal, questions remain about whether he can fully restore confidence before FIFA's presidential election next March. The controversy also led to the resignation of senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro, who criticised the investment plan, while FIFA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour publicly defended colleagues involved in the dispute. Infantino was re-elected unopposed in 2019 and 2023 and is eligible to seek one final four-year term. Potential challengers mentioned by football observers include Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi and FIFA vice president Victor Montagliani, although no official candidates have announced plans to run. The failed investment proposal has become one of the biggest challenges to Infantino's leadership since he became FIFA president in 2016.

Franco Baresi, the former AC Milan captain who was one of Italy's most acclaimed defenders, has died. He was 66. His death was announced on Friday by Milan, the soccer club where he spent his entire 20-year playing career. No cause of death was given. “The entire history of AC Milan is in tears,” Milan said. In August 2025, Baresi underwent surgery to remove a pulmonary nodule and subsequently began a course of immunotherapy. His last public appearance was at the opening ceremony for the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in February, when along with former Inter Milan defender Giuseppe Bergomi, he carried the torch into the San Siro — the stadium he formerly played in. “His example and integrity will be forever etched into the Club’s DNA, just as his iconic number 6 shirt is,” Milan added. “The condolences AC Milan extends to Franco Baresi’s family at such a difficult time are shared by every Rossonero, who feels this loss as their own.” Baresi was on Italy's team that won the World Cup in 1982. “With the passing of Franco Baresi, Italy loses not only one of the greatest champions in its sports history, but also an example of loyalty, professionalism, and dedication,” Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni said on X. One-club player Baresi, who was widely regarded as one of the best defenders of all time, was a true one-club player. He progressed through the ranks at Milan and made his first team debut at the age of 17, in April 1978. He chose to stay with Milan even after it was relegated to Serie B — for the second time in three seasons — in 1982, just before he helped Italy win the World Cup that summer, and was given the captaincy at the age of just 22. Baresi made more than 700 appearances for the Rossoneri, captaining the team to global dominance in the late 1980s and early 1990s. With Milan, Baresi won three Champions League trophies, six Serie A titles, two Intercontinental Cups, three European Supercups and four Italian Supercups. “For generations, Franco embodied the values, character and excellence that define this club,” Milan owner Gerry Cardinale said. “Even as he battled his greatest challenge over the last year, he was always there for the club, quietly reminding us all what it means to wear these colors. “Franco’s legacy is profound and will endure forever. Our thoughts are with his family and all those whose lives he touched.” In his final interview with the Gazzetta dello Sport last year, Baresi said he recalled being a “Milanista” (Milan fan) as a little kid. “When I arrived at Milanello (Milan’s training center) for the first time as a 14-year-old it seemed like entering paradise,” Baresi said. First jersey to be retired As well as the 1982 World Cup, Baresi also helped Italy finish runners-up in the 1994 competition — although he was one of three Azzurri players to miss a penalty in the shootout defeat to Brazil in the final. Baresi finished runner-up to teammate Marco van Basten in the Ballon d’Or awards in 1989. When Baresi retired in 1997, Milan also retired his No. 6 jersey — which was a first for Italian soccer. The club also held a celebration match in his honor, featuring many soccer stars Baresi had played with and against. Baresi was made honorary president of Milan in 2020. “Italian soccer has lost one of its legends,” Italian soccer federation president Giovanni Malagò said, labeling Baresi “an extraordinary champion who wore only two shirts for his entire career: those of Milan and Italy.” “We will have a tribute to remember him the next time the national team plays,” Malagò added. Inter Milan's Baresi It could have all been so different for Baresi and Milan, however. Baresi had trials at Inter when he was younger but he was rejected by the Nerazzurri, who opted to sign his older brother Giuseppe Baresi, with Franco Baresi going on to join the youth team of their fierce city rivals. Giuseppe also captained his team and the image of the two Baresi brothers exchanging pennants before kickoff became the symbol of the Milan derby throughout the late 80s. “On November 19, 1995, I made my Serie A debut against Milan. I was 17 years old, and on the other side was the captain of that team: Franco Baresi,” former Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon said on X, referring to his Italian league debut with Parma. “For a boy my age, finding myself on the field against champions like him was something incredible,” Buffon added. “From that day on, I had an even clearer understanding of what it meant to represent football with class, leadership, and respect. Ciao Franco. Rest in peace.”

Real Madrid have signed 21-year-old Spanish striker Carlos Espí from fellow La Liga club Levante, the Spanish giants announced Friday. Madrid reportedly paid 25 million euros ($28 million) for Espí, who emerged as one of La Liga’s standout young players last season. Levante described the deal as a club-record fee for a homegrown player but did not confirm the amount reported by Spanish media. Espí scored a team-high 11 goals in 25 appearances last season, helping Levante avoid relegation. He has also represented Spain at youth level. He is expected to compete for a place in Madrid’s attacking rotation, potentially replacing Gonzalo García, who has reportedly been linked with a move to Premier League club Fulham. Madrid have been active in the transfer market after ending last season without a major trophy. The club has also brought back coach José Mourinho and signed Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konaté and Denzel Dumfries.

Mexico and Colombia will play their first international fixtures since the FIFA World Cup when they clash in a friendly in the United States in September, the Mexican Football Federation said on Thursday. The teams will meet in Baltimore on September 26, marking the first match in charge for newly appointed Mexico manager Rafael Marquez. Mexico will also face Peru in New York on September 29 and Chile in Los Angeles on October 6 as part of the next FIFA international window. "These are national teams with rich traditions and strong competitive pedigrees, providing demanding tests for a Mexican side embarking on a new journey filled with optimism, commitment, and the support of its fans," the Mexican Football Federation said in a statement. Both Mexico and Colombia were eliminated in the World Cup round of 16 earlier this month. Mexico exited after a 3-2 defeat by England and Colombia fell to Switzerland 4-3 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes.

The inauguration ceremony of the Prime Minister Gold Cup National Football Tournament 2026 has been postponed by one month due to the prevailing flood situation and the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations, Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon said on Thursday. The tournament will now be inaugurated in Chattogram on September 9 or 10 by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, he said while speaking at a press conference at the Chattogram Press Club. The minister said the postponement applied only to the formal opening ceremony, not the tournament schedule itself. Under the schedule, secondary-level matches at the upazila level will begin on August 9, and higher secondary matches from October 6. District-level matches will begin on August 27 at the secondary level and on October 13 at higher secondary level, while divisional-level matches for both categories will begin on October 22. National-level matches will run from October 27 to October 30. Milon said the Prime Minister's Gold Cup National Football Tournament 2026 is being organised under the direct patronage of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. "When we invited the Prime Minister to inaugurate the tournament, he instructed us to hold the opening ceremony in the port city of Chattogram. Accordingly, a colourful inaugural ceremony will be held at Chattogram District Stadium, where the Prime Minister will formally open the competition as the chief guest," he said. The minister said around 1.5 crore students from 40,231 educational institutions across the country are expected to participate in the tournament. He said the initiative aims to identify football talent from the grassroots, promote students' physical and mental development and contribute to strengthening the country's sports economy. Milon also said the government is working to create a sports-friendly environment in every educational institution to help keep the younger generation away from drugs and crime. State Minister for Land, and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin, among others, was present at the press conference. Later, the minister visited the Chattogram District Stadium to inspect preparations for the tournament.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti is still coming to terms with his team's round-of-16 defeat to Norway in the World Cup. But as the 67-year-old Italian looks ahead to the next four years in charge, he plans to closely monitor youth-level players and Brazil's squad at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as part of an overhaul of the national team. In an exclusive interview with The Associated Press at the headquarters of the Brazilian soccer confederation in Rio de Janeiro, Ancelotti also said the five-time World Cup champions do not need to copy defending champions Spain or a powerful France side to win a record sixth title. "We don't need to copy — we need to learn where we can improve," Ancelotti said at the confederation's museum, which houses much of Brazil's national team silverware. "Some positions are well-covered, both in defense and attack. We are looking for improvement and development among the midfielders. And the Olympics could be a crucial moment (to find players)," he said. Ancelotti, who returned to Brazil on Sunday, has heard plenty about the Tokyo Olympics gold-medal match since taking charge. Five years ago, Brazil beat Spain 2-1 to retain the title. Eight Spanish players from that match, along with coach Luis de la Fuente, have since become World Cup winners. Brazil, however, took only midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and striker Matheus Cunha to the 2026 World Cup. "We are in contact with the U-15, U-17, and U-20 coaches to identify talent and track their progress, ensuring they are prepared for the next World Cup," Ancelotti said. "Four years ago, Rayan was playing U-17. It is vital to look at youth development now so that by 2030 we have another generation of players progressing like him," he said. Many Brazil fans may not be willing to wait that long, as they often expect star players to deliver and take leading roles wherever they play. But Ancelotti said the approach he is planning will be different. "At this moment, football doesn't need one single star — we need to reinforce the concept of the team," he said. "Brazil doesn't have a single reference point right now, and it doesn't need one. We have many great players. The goal is to build a strong, cohesive team." New path for Brazil begins in September Three friendlies — two against Australia in September and another against India in October — will mark the beginning of a new cycle for Brazil's first full-time foreign coach. Ancelotti knows pressure will remain high through the 2028 Copa America. He said a combination of players who make the continental tournament squad and younger players who travel to Los Angeles could form the core of Brazil's 2030 World Cup team. Striker Neymar, who was included in Ancelotti's squad for this summer's tournament despite serious doubts over his fitness, is not part of the coach's plans going forward. The 34-year-old star said earlier this week that he believes his time with the national team is over. "That's part of the natural trajectory of a great talent like Neymar," Ancelotti said. "It is like it is for others who finish an important time with the national team. We spent little time together, but I have only good things to say. He was serious, professional, he helped in whichever way he could. Too bad he had this injury that did not allow him to be 100% since the first game." Ancelotti said his decision to remain Brazil coach until 2030, while turning down an offer from the Italian soccer federation to coach the national team he once played for, "has nothing to do with contracts, it has to do with commitment." Italian soccer officials had considered Ancelotti for the position, which ultimately went once again to Roberto Mancini. "The Brazilian soccer confederation has always supported me, especially after the defeat against Norway," Ancelotti said in his increasingly fluent Portuguese, which he has learned from a teacher and a language app. "The commitment I have is because of the reception I had here this year," he said. Ancelotti has experienced the pain of losing a World Cup final with Italy — against Brazil in a penalty shootout in 1994, when he was an assistant coach of the Azzurri. But he said the latest defeat hurts more, although it has also broadened his outlook toward 2030. "It is a tough time to digest this defeat. I was used to defeats at clubs because you can seek payback quickly. Now I have to wait. Sometimes I think about the defeat more than usual," Ancelotti said. "You have to have the strength to have an eye in the past and another one in the future. Each day that goes by I am thinking more about the future than the past."

Two friendly football matches featuring adolescent boys and girls were held in Kurigram on Wednesday to promote football among young people and build enthusiasm ahead of the Prime Minister's Gold Cup National Football Tournament 2026. The matches were organised at Kurigram Stadium by the Kurigram District Sports Association under the patronage of the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Dinajpur. Board Chairman Prof Elias Ahmed attended the function as the chief guest. Speaking on the occasion, he said regular participation in sports and healthy recreation plays the most effective role in keeping young people away from drugs, terrorism and other forms of social degradation.