United News of Bangladesh

More than 100 supporters were detained after violent clashes broke out in the stands during a Copa Sudamericana match between Independiente and Universidad de Chile, leaving at least 20 people injured, including one in critical condition, authorities said Thursday. Footage showed two fans leaping or falling from the upper tier to escape assaults, while another collapsed after being struck on the head with a stick. Several supporters, bloodied and stripped to their underwear, were seen fleeing the violence. The disturbances forced Wednesday night’s game at the Libertadores de América stadium in Avellaneda, near Buenos Aires, to be abandoned with the score tied at 1-1. “I strongly condemn the shocking violence which led to the cancellation of the Copa Sudamericana match between Independiente and Universidad de Chile,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement. “Violence has no place in soccer — players, fans, staff, officials and everyone who enjoys our beautiful game should be able to do so without fear.” South America’s football governing body CONMEBOL said it has launched an investigation into the incident. According to police, the clashes began when Universidad fans in the upper stands destroyed seats and restrooms and hurled objects toward home supporters below, also attacking security personnel. Officers said they refrained from intervening directly to “prevent greater damage,” instead issuing warnings through stadium loudspeakers. Leeds signs Noah Okafor from AC Milan for 24.5 million dollars At halftime, as Universidad fans were leaving, hooded Independiente supporters forced their way into the visitors’ section and attacked them with sticks and metal bars. Two fans tried to escape by climbing over barriers, with one — identified as Gonzalo Alfaro — suffering critical injuries that required surgery, according to Fiorito Hospital. Eighteen others were hospitalized with multiple injuries. Chilean President Gabriel Boric condemned the assaults, saying on X, “Nothing justifies a lynching. Nothing.” He directed Interior Minister Álvaro Elizalde to travel to Buenos Aires to safeguard the rights of Chilean citizens. Authorities confirmed 125 Universidad fans were detained for assault and resisting arrest, with 101 still in custody, according to Chile’s Foreign Ministry. The incident adds to a string of violent episodes in South American football. In April, Chile’s Colo Colo was docked points and fined after two fans died during a Copa Libertadores match against Brazil’s Fortaleza. Recent weeks have also seen clashes involving Argentine fans and police in Brazil and Uruguay. Source: Agency 

Leeds United completed the signing of Swiss forward Noah Okafor from AC Milan on Thursday for a reported fee of around 21 million euros ($24.5 million). The newly promoted Premier League club said Okafor signed a four-year deal, “subject to a work permit and international clearance.” The 25-year-old is Leeds’ ninth signing since returning to the top flight, where the team opened the season with a win over Everton on Monday. Dominic Calvert-Lewin joins Leeds on free transfer from Everton Okafor, who can play on either wing or as a central striker, joined Milan in 2023 from Red Bull Salzburg for about 14 million euros ($15.5 million) on a five-year contract. He struggled to make a major impact at the Italian club, though he impressed in pre-season with four goals during Milan’s Asia tour, including two against Liverpool. A potential loan to Leipzig in January fell through after a failed medical, but he later joined Napoli on loan and won a Serie A medal despite only 36 minutes of playing time across four matches.   Source: Agency

Chelsea forwards Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku will miss Friday’s Premier League match against West Ham as the club aims to move the strikers before the transfer window closes. Manager Enzo Maresca confirmed that Jackson, available after serving a suspension in Chelsea’s 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace, will not be in the squad. “We have two strikers in that position, and we also know something could happen before the transfer window closes,” he said. Nkunku, who joined Chelsea on a six-year deal in 2023, is in a similar situation, having seen limited playing time. Senegalese striker Jackson is under contract until 2033. Fernández warns of heat ahead of Chelsea-PSG final Chelsea has recently signed two new center forwards, Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, leaving Jackson and Nkunku out of favor. Left back Ben Chilwell and winger Raheem Sterling are training separately, awaiting possible transfer solutions.   Source: Agency

Everton will unveil its new stadium this weekend, hosting Brighton at the 53,000-seat Bramley-Moore Dock arena for the first competitive match, marking the club’s move from long-time home Goodison Park. Everton began the season with a 1-0 loss at Leeds. Meanwhile, Arsenal could introduce new signing Eberechi Eze to fans at Emirates Stadium against Leeds on Saturday, following a reported £67.5 million ($90.8 million) deal from Crystal Palace, beating rival Tottenham for the England forward. Eze is expected to play his final match for Palace in a Europa Conference League qualifier, with no official comment from either club yet. Other key fixtures include Liverpool visiting Newcastle on Monday amid Alexander Isak transfer drama, and Manchester City hosting Tottenham on Saturday after strong opening wins. Players to watch include Viktor Gyokeres for Arsenal, Jack Grealish for Everton, and Manchester United’s potential trio of attackers: Sesko, Mbeumo, and Cunha. Dominic Calvert-Lewin joins Leeds on free transfer from Everton Injuries and suspensions remain factors: Arsenal forward Kai Havertz is out, Ryan Gravenberch is back for Liverpool, and Isak is likely sidelined again for Newcastle.   Off the field, Crystal Palace fans are planning a protest during their home game against Nottingham Forest, following UEFA’s demotion of Palace from the Europa League over ownership issues.   Source: Agency

Expect surprises when the Italian league season begins this weekend. Serie A has become Europe’s most unpredictable top-five soccer league, with four different champions in the last six seasons. Last season also marked the second time in four years that the title race went to the final round, highlighting its competitiveness. By comparison, only Liverpool or Manchester City have won the Premier League in the past eight seasons; Spain remains mostly a two-team show with Real Madrid and Barcelona; Bayern Munich has claimed 12 of the last 13 Bundesliga titles; and Paris Saint-Germain continues to dominate in France. Luka Modric joins AC Milan after 13 years at Real Madrid While Napoli is favored to defend its title, serious challengers include Inter Milan, AC Milan, Juventus, Roma, and Atalanta. Napoli edged Inter by a single point last season in a race so tight it almost required a playoff match — a rule still in place if two teams finish level this season. De Bruyne boosts Napoli’s title defenseAfter winning the title in 2023, Napoli followed up with a disappointing 10th-place finish. Demanding coach Antonio Conte, now in his second season, is unlikely to allow a repeat. Kevin De Bruyne’s arrival from Manchester City could create one of Europe’s finest midfields alongside Serie A MVP Scott McTominay and passing specialist Stanislav Lobotka. Concerns remain as striker Romelu Lukaku may require surgery for a left thigh injury. Inter moves on from PSG routNew coach Cristian Chivu will aim to motivate Inter after last season’s treble hopes collapsed with a 5-0 defeat to PSG in the Champions League final. Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram remain one of Italy’s top strike tandems, though Inter’s bench is thin. World Cup winners aplentyCoaching changes saw Milan rehire Massimiliano Allegri after missing out on Europe, Gian Piero Gasperini move from Atalanta to Roma, and Maurizio Sarri return to Lazio. Four World Cup winners also coach in Serie A: Cesc Fabregas at Como (Spain, 2010); Patrick Vieira at Genoa (France, 1998); Alberto Gilardino at promoted Pisa (Italy, 2006); and Fabio Grosso at promoted Sassuolo (Italy, 2006). Modric means businessLuka Modric’s transfer to Milan — the club he supported as a boy — after 13 seasons at Madrid is not just sentimental, the 39-year-old former Ballon d’Or winner says. Modric indicated he will not accept a repeat of Milan’s eighth-place finish last season. “Milan cannot be satisfied with average,” Modric said. “It needs to have the biggest goals possible, to win titles, to compete with the best teams in the world. And that’s why I’m here.” Juventus delighted with DavidCanadian striker Jonathan David impressed in preseason after signing a five-year deal with Juventus. “If he gets the ball, he scores,” Juventus coach Igor Tudor said. Early impressions of the 25-year-old David have led Juventus to put center forward Dusan Vlahovic on the market. Down Under road tripA Serie A match between two teams about 50 kilometers apart could be played in Australia later this season. Plans are in motion for Milan and Como to play in Perth in February due to the Milan-Cortina Olympics, though FIFA approval is pending. Also new this season: referees will announce VAR decisions live inside stadiums. Napoli opens at promoted SassuoloThe season begins Saturday with four matches: Genoa vs. Lecce; Sassuolo vs. Napoli; Milan vs. Cremonese; and Roma vs. Bologna. On Sunday: Cagliari vs. Fiorentina; Como vs. Lazio; Atalanta vs. Pisa; and Juventus vs. Parma. On Monday: Udinese vs. Hellas Verona; and Inter vs. Torino.   Source: Agency

Luis Suarez netted twice from the penalty spot as Inter Miami battled past Mexico’s Tigres UANL 2-1 in a Leagues Cup quarterfinal on Wednesday, overcoming the absence of Lionel Messi. Messi, who recently guided Miami to victory over the LA Galaxy, skipped training earlier in the day and sat out the match. “We go with what Messi feels. Today he wasn’t at his best, so we didn’t want to take risks,” assistant coach Javier Morales said. Suarez opened the scoring after Jordi Alba’s cross struck Tigres defender Javier Aquino’s arm. Ángel Correa leveled with a solo effort before another Aquino handball allowed Suarez to seal the win from the spot. Tigres nearly equalized again when Edgar Lopez’s late header rattled both posts. Isak signals change needed amid Newcastle disagreements Inter Miami faced drama off the field as Javier Mascherano was shown red before the second half but was later spotted giving instructions by phone — a violation of tournament rules. Morales downplayed the incident. Adding to Miami’s concerns, Alba limped off early in the second half with a knee knock. “We don’t have the full medical report yet, but he took a hit,” Morales said. Source: Agency 

Bangladesh under-17 women got off to a winning start in the SAFF Championship, beating Bhutan 3–1 in Thimphu on Wednesday. Forward Alpi Akter scored twice and Souravi Akanda added one to give Bangladesh a comfortable win. It didn’t come easy early on. The first half saw plenty of chances but little composure in front of goal. The deadlock broke in the 48th minute when Bhutan keeper Kelzang Wangmo spilled a shot and Souravi tapped in. Six minutes later, Alpi struck from distance to make it 2–0. Bhutan refused to fold, pulling one back through Rinzin Dema in the 61st minute after Meghla Rani failed to hold a long-range effort. Any nerves were settled quickly. From a corner four minutes later, Alpi turned up in the crowded box and finished coolly for her second of the match. SAFF U-17 Women's Champs: Russia emerge unbeaten champions  Bangladesh have collected seven SAFF titles across age groups but never one in the under-17s. This year’s format — four teams playing each other twice — leaves them with a real chance to change that. Next up is India on August 22. The team will then meet Nepal twice before closing against Bhutan and India again at the end of the month.

Alexander Isak has publicly addressed his discontent at Newcastle United, saying the club broke promises and that “the relationship can't continue.” The Sweden striker, who scored 27 goals in 42 games last season, has been training separately from the Newcastle squad after expressing a desire to explore his options. He was not involved in the club’s Premier League opener, a goalless draw at Aston Villa on Saturday. On Tuesday, after being named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Season, the 25-year-old used a social media post to outline his grievances. “I’ve kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken,” Isak wrote. “The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time. When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can’t continue.” He added that a change would be in the best interests of all parties. Newcastle responded, emphasizing that Isak remains under contract and that no official commitment had been made allowing him to leave this summer. “We want to keep our best players, but we also understand players have their own wishes,” the club said. “Alex remains part of our family and will be welcomed back when he is ready.” Isak to sit out Premier League opener for Newcastle as future remains uncertain Isak joined Newcastle in 2022 from Real Sociedad and has become one of the Premier League’s most sought-after strikers. He scored 23 league goals last season, second only to Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah. Manager Eddie Howe said last week there remains a chance for Isak to rejoin the squad despite the current challenges. Newcastle has been linked with Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, who also missed the opening weekend matches.   Source: Agency

Bayern Munich, the defending Bundesliga champion, looks set to remain the team to beat as the new season kicks off Friday against RB Leipzig. Vincent Kompany and Harry Kane’s sides are preparing to challenge for the top spot, but the race for the nearest contender remains wide open. Several potential challengers — including Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, Stuttgart, Leipzig, and Eintracht Frankfurt — have lost key players over the summer, and few have made headline-grabbing signings. Leverkusen, the only team to interrupt Bayern’s 13-year dominance, has undergone a major overhaul following its 2024 title-winning campaign. Star players Florian Wirtz, Granit Xhaka, Jeremie Frimpong, captain Jonathan Tah, and coach Xabi Alonso have all departed. Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been brought in to lead the revamped squad. PSG Overcomes Bayern in Dramatic Club World Cup Quarterfinal Amid Musiala’s Heartbreaking Injury Bayern’s summer arrivals, particularly Luis Díaz from Liverpool, add fresh attacking options. Díaz scored on his debut as Bayern lifted the German Supercup last weekend. With the departures of Leroy Sané, Thomas Müller, Kingsley Coman, and Mathys Tel, Kane’s supporting cast has been reshaped, placing added responsibility on Díaz and Serge Gnabry — the last forward from Bayern’s 2020 Champions League-winning team. Michael Olise is expected to take on a central role in the absence of Jamal Musiala, sidelined until 2026 due to injury. Defender Jonathan Tah also strengthens Bayern’s backline, while young midfielders Tom Bischof and Lennart Karl impressed in preseason. At Dortmund, 19-year-old Jobe Bellingham has made an immediate impact, following in the footsteps of his older brother Jude. Other challengers have had to adjust after losing key players, including Frankfurt, Leverkusen, and Leipzig. Leipzig has invested over €110 million ($128 million) in seven young signings but lost Benjamin Šeško to Manchester United. More transfers are expected before the Sept. 1 deadline. Promoted sides Hamburger SV and Cologne face the primary challenge of remaining in the top division. Cologne has appointed Lukas Kwasniok to ensure survival, while Hamburg, returning after seven seasons, begins its campaign at Borussia Mönchengladbach on Sunday.   Source: Agency

As German soccer investigates two incidents in which players were allegedly subjected to racist abuse by fans in the stadium, more players have faced abusive messages online. The day after its 1-0 win in a German Cup game against Dynamo Dresden, Mainz said Tuesday it plans to support its players in taking legal action against users who sent abusive messages. Gianni Infantino calls racism at German Cup ‘unacceptable’ The club published screenshots of a racist message targeting French winger Arnaud Nordin, who is Black, and one containing sexist and xenophobic insults aimed at the mother of German midfielder Nadiem Amiri, who is of Afghan heritage. There are “no more words for people like this,” Amiri, who scored the game's only goal, wrote over a screenshot of the message. “There is no place among us for racism, agitation and hate on the Internet, in the stadium, or anywhere else,” Mainz wrote. In another incident, Rot-Weiss Essen disabled the comment section on an Instagram post about its 1-0 loss Monday to Borussia Dortmund, reportedly following repeated racist messages aimed at its player Kelsey Owusu, following a tackle which left Dortmund's Yan Couto hurt. “I find it so despicable, some of the comments which are directed at people,” his coach Uwe Koschinat said after the game. The German soccer federation said Monday it was investigating two incidents in which players were allegedly subjected to racist abuse by people in the stadium during other German Cup games. FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the incidents as “unacceptable”. Police were investigating at least one of the incidents.   Source: Agency