United News of Bangladesh

Chelsea’s 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final drew an average of 1.3 million viewers on TBS, TNT Sports announced Tuesday. Across the 24 matches aired with English commentary in the U.S., the tournament averaged 458,000 viewers. Meanwhile, Spanish-language coverage of the final on Univision and TUDN averaged 1.43 million viewers. TelevisaUnivision’s 18 Spanish-broadcast matches saw an average of 597,000 viewers. DAZN, which acquired global broadcasting rights from FIFA, sublicensed 63 matches to TNT Sports and TelevisaUnivision. TNT aired games on TNT, TBS, and truTV, while TelevisaUnivision carried Spanish-language broadcasts. FIFA announces details to apply for World Cup tickets Turner reported that 15 matches held during primetime or on weekends averaged 535,000 viewers. Sunday’s final reached its peak viewership at 1.8 million on TBS between 3:45 and 4:00 p.m. EDT, as Chelsea led 3-0 at halftime. DAZN has not yet disclosed its streaming viewership data. Source: Agency 

-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.”

Defending champions Bangladesh maintained their all-win run in the four-nation SAFF U-20 Women's championship beating Bhutan by 4-1 goals at the  practice ground of the  Basundhara Kings Arena Tuesday evening. The match suddenly shifted to the nearby practice ground of the Bashundhara Kings Arena from Bashundhara Kings main Stadium in the 2nd half due to unplayable condition of the venue following heavy rain Tuesday.afternoon. It is the first time in the history of Bangladesh Football that a match was shifted to another venue in the half time of the match. The 2nd half of the Bangladesh- Bhutan match was resumed at 6:45 pm at the revised venue after about three hours. The 3rd league match between holders Bangladesh and Himalayan Nation Bhutan were in progress at the water soaked, heavy and slippery ground of the Bashundhara Kings Arena here Tuesday afternoon, but the referee did not continue the 2nd half of the match at the  unplayable condition of the match venue. SAFF U-20 Women's Champs: Trishna Rani powers Bangladesh to dramatic win over Nepal Match referee has decided to shift the the match to the  nearby practice ground of the Stadium after consulting with the participating teams. Host Bangladesh team dominated the half time of the day's  ill fated match by 1-0 goal scored by a Shanti Mardi goal in the 7th minute.  In the revised venue in the 2nd half, , Shanti Mardi scored two more goals to complete her hattrick in the 57th and 80th minutes while Munki Akhter netted the other goal for Bangladesh in the 76th minute . Sangay Wangmo netted the lone goal for Bhutan in the 53rd minute. The day's 2nd match between Nepal and Sri Lanka, schedule to start at 7 pm on Tuesday, will now start at 8:30;pm at the practice ground of Bashundhara Kings Arena after the Bangladesh Bhutan match. After first three matches,  Bangladesh comfortably dominated the six- match competition  securing full nine  points from straight three matches. Nepal and Bhutan have secured three points each playing two and three matches respectively.  but Nepal are in the 2nd slot by virtue of better goal differences. Bhutan tasted the first victory in their 2nd match outplaying Sri Lanka by 5-0 goals after suffering 1-6 goals defeat against Nepal in the first match. Bangladesh made a flying start crushing Sri Lanka by 9-1 goals in tournament opener and consolidated their claim for regaining the title beating their main contender Nepal by 3-2 goals, featuring match winner by substitute bpoter Trishna Rani in the added time of the match  In the double league basis matches, Bangladesh will play Bhutan again on July 17, Sri Lanka on July 19 and Nepal on July 21. After the double league basis matches, top team will be the champions

In an unprecedented move in Bangladesh football history, the second half of the SAFF U-20 Women’s Championship match between hosts Bangladesh and Bhutan was shifted to a nearby practice ground on Tuesday after the main pitch at the Bashundhara Kings Arena became unplayable due to heavy rain. The match, the third fixture of the ongoing four-nation tournament, kicked off at the Bashundhara Kings Arena in the afternoon. Bangladesh were leading 1-0 at half-time thanks to a 7th-minute goal by Shanti Mardi. However, persistent rainfall left the pitch waterlogged and slippery, forcing the referee to halt the match at half-time. After consultations with both teams, the match officials decided to move the second half to the adjacent practice ground of the stadium. Host Bangladesh team dominated the match by 1-0 goal at that  time scored by Shanti Mardi in the 7th minute U-18 Asia Cup Hockey: Airin's hattrick powers Bangladesh women to secure bronze ; men finish 4th The remaining part of the match already to kicked off  from 6:45  pm on Tuesday. The match was stopped due to heavy downpour at the games venue Basundhara Kings Arena here Tuesday afternoon. The day's 2nd match between Nepal and Sri Lanka, schedule to start at 7 pm on Tuesday, will now start at 8:30;pm at the practice ground of Bashundhara Kings Arena after the Bangladesh Bhutan match. After first two matches,  Bangladesh comfortably dominated the six- match tournament securing full six  points from straight two matches. Nepal and Bhutan have secured three points each playing two matches, but Nepal are in the 2nd slot by virtue of better goal difference. Bhutan tasted the first victory in their 2nd match outplaying Sri Lanka by 5-0 goals after suffering 1-6 goals defeat against Nepal in the first match. Bangladesh made a flying start crushing Sri Lanka by 9-1 goals in tournament opener and consolidated their claim for regaining the title beating their main contender Nepal by 3-2 goals, featuring match winning goal by substitute Trishna Rani in the added time of the match  In the double league basis matches, Bangladesh will play Bhutan again on July 17, Sri Lanka on July 19 and Nepal on July 21. After the double league basis matches, top team will be the champions

At 39, Croatian star Luka Modric has signed with AC Milan, aiming to help the Italian giants bounce back from one of their worst seasons in recent memory. The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner inked a one-year deal with Milan on Monday, with the option to extend for another season. His move comes after a glittering 13-year spell at Real Madrid, where he won 28 titles, including six Champions League trophies, six Club World Cups, five UEFA Super Cups, four La Liga titles, two Copas del Rey, and five Spanish Super Cups. A lifelong Milan fan, Modric admired Croatian legend Zvonimir Boban, who played for the Rossoneri in the 1990s. He had announced in May that he would part ways with Madrid. Milan, who finished eighth in Serie A last season and failed to qualify for European competition, have brought back Massimiliano Allegri as head coach, replacing the sacked Sergio Conceicao. Allegri previously led Milan to the Serie A title in 2011 and later steered Juventus to five consecutive league titles. Scuffle erupts after Club World Cup final as players clash Before finalising the move, Allegri reportedly consulted Carlo Ancelotti—Modric’s former coach at both Madrid and Milan—about the veteran midfielder’s current form. Milan’s new sporting director, Igli Tare, then visited Croatia’s national team camp last month to complete the signing. Although the agreement was reached prior to the Club World Cup, Modric could only join Milan after fulfilling his final commitment with Real Madrid in the United States. His last match ended in a 4-0 semifinal defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Source: Agency 

At 39, Croatian midfield maestro Luka Modric is set to begin a new chapter with AC Milan after a glittering 13-year career at Real Madrid, during which he helped the Spanish club win 28 titles. Modric landed in Italy on Monday for a medical ahead of signing a one-year contract with Milan, with an option for a second season. His move comes as Milan looks to rebuild following a disappointing series a campaign that saw the Rossoneri finish eighth and miss out on European competition. The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner has long admired Milan, having grown up supporting the club due to his idol, fellow Croatian Zvonimir Boban, who starred for the team in the 1990s. In May, Modric announced his departure from Madrid, where he won six European Cups, six Club World Cups, five European Super Cups, four La Liga titles, two Copas del Rey, and five Spanish Super Cups. FIFA, players' unions agree on minimum rest rules for footballers Milan recently reappointed Massimiliano Allegri as head coach, replacing Sergio Conceicao. Allegri previously led Milan to a Serie A title in 2011 before winning five consecutive league titles with Juventus from 2015 to 2019. Reports indicate Allegri consulted former Madrid and Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti about Modric’s current form before making the move. Milan’s new sporting director Igli Tare also traveled to Croatia’s training camp last month to finalize the agreement. Although the deal was struck before the Club World Cup, Modric only became available after Madrid’s 4-0 semifinal defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the United States — his final match for the Spanish giants.

Tensions flared after the final whistle of the Club World Cup final on Sunday as Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma were seen confronting Chelsea forward João Pedro in a post-match scuffle. Chelsea stunned PSG with a 3-0 victory, netting all three goals in the first half to clinch the title. The match grew increasingly heated, with PSG’s João Neves shown a red card for dragging Marc Cucurella down by his hair, while six yellow cards were also issued. After the game, Enrique was spotted near the center circle, apparently pushing João Pedro in the throat area. Donnarumma also shoved the 23-year-old, causing him to fall. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, also Italian, intervened to pull Donnarumma away from the situation. “This could have been avoided,” Enrique said through a translator. “As always, my intention was to separate the players and prevent things from escalating. There was a lot of pressure and tension, and many were involved in the pushing.” FIFA, players' unions agree on minimum rest rules for footballers PSG defender Achraf Hakimi had earlier been seen gesturing toward João Pedro and Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos. João Pedro said he got involved to defend Santos. “I saw players surrounding him,” he said. “Like any good Brazilian, I stepped in to protect a teammate. It got crowded and I ended up getting shoved. These things happen — some people just don’t know how to lose. Now it’s time to celebrate.” Messi nets fifth consecutive multi-goal performance Maresca said he wasn’t fully aware of how the altercation began. “I noticed something happening, but I’m not sure what exactly sparked it,” he said. Source: Agency 

Substitute Krishna Rani powered defending champions Bangladesh to earn the 2nd consecutive victory in the four-nation South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U-20 Women’s Championship’2025 with a dramatic 3-2 goals victory against their main contender Nepal at the Bashundhara Kings Arena in the capital Sunday (July 13) evening. When day’s match was almost heading for a 2-2 draw, then forward Trishna Rani scored the match-winning goal for Bangladesh just few seconds before the final whistle, the last minute of the added time, by a neat placing ground shot from danger zone, off a Umehla Marma pass (3-2).   Earlier, hosts Bangladesh clearly dominated the first half by 2-0 goals playing a good football, but they went down in the race as Nepal re-oganised themselves in the 2nd half playing an attacking football, especially in the last 25 minutes.     Sinha Jahan Shikha opened the Bangladesh account in the minute by (1-0). Forward Mst Sagorika, who made a hattrick in the opening match against Island nation Sri Lanka, scored the 2nd goal for Bangladesh in the minute of the day’s match (2-0). Anisha Rai reduced the Nepalese margin one back in the 76th minute from a penalty (2-1) while Nepal leveled the margin in the 86th minute by planned attack (2-2)   Earlier. Both the Bangladesh and Nepal were restricted to 10-man in the 55th minute of the match as Bangladesh’s leading scorer Sagorika and Simran Rai of Nepal got direct red card for involving clash with each other.      In the day's other match, Bhutan tasted the first victory in their 2nd match outplaying Sri Lanka by 5-0 goals at the same venue Sunday afternoon after suffering 1-6 goals defeat against Nepal in their first match. Kelden Wangmo scored first two goals in the 2nd and 15th minutes, Sangay Wangmo also netted two goals in the 79th and 87th minutes while Namsel Wangzom scored the other goal for Bhutan, which dominated the first half by 3-0 goals After the day's 2nd round matches, hosts Bangladesh dominated the double-leg six-match competition securing full six points from straight two matches. Nepal and Bhutan have secured three points each playing two matches, but Nepal are in the 2nd slot by virtue of better goal difference.. Earlier, Bangladesh made a flying start in the four- nation SAFF U-20 Women's Championship crushing Sri Lanka by 9-1 goals while Himalayan nation Nepal also made a good start  outplaying Bhutan by 6-1 goals in two opening day's fixture at a water- soaked slippery and fast ground of Bashundhara Kings Arena last Saturday. In the other double league basis matches, Bangladesh will play Bhutan on July 15, again Bhutan on July 17, Sri Lanka on July 19 and Nepal on July 21. After the league basis matches, top team will be the champions Bangladesh and India emerged joint champions in the last version of the meet in Dhaka in 2024 after playing 1-1 draw in the schedule time and 11-11 goals draw in penalty shootout in the final. But, India did not compete this time as they withdrew their team in last moment.

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 announced that it has reached a consensus with global soccer players’ unions on minimum rest standards, including a mandatory 72-hour gap between matches and a minimum 21-day holiday for players at the end of each season. The agreement emerged from discussions held in New York between FIFA President Gianni Infantino, other FIFA officials, and representatives of players’ unions from around the world. The talks took place ahead of the Club World Cup final between PSG and Chelsea. The expanded tournament, held during the European offseason, has drawn criticism from unions amid growing calls for stronger safeguards to protect players from injuries and burnout. “There is a consensus that there must be at least 72 hours of rest between matches, and that players should have a rest period/holiday of at least 21 days at the end of each season,” FIFA said in a statement. “This period should be managed individually by each club and the respective players also depending on their match calendars and taking into account applicable collective agreements.” FIFA hailed the dialogue as “progressive,” stating that player health remains a “top priority.” Strict enforcement of the 72-hour rest period could lead to significant scheduling adjustments, particularly in European football. For instance, teams playing in Europa League matches on Thursday evenings may no longer be able to schedule domestic league games on Sundays and might have to shift to Mondays. Nottingham forest sign Brazilian defender Jair Cunha from Botafogo This could present a challenge for leagues such as Germany’s Bundesliga, which abolished Monday evening fixtures in 2021 following fan protests favoring weekend matches. The league had initially introduced Monday games to offer more rest to teams participating in Thursday night European fixtures. The new Bundesliga TV rights deal, effective from next season, does not include Monday matches. FIFA also emphasized that players should be granted one rest day per week and that travel demands and climate conditions will be considered in future competition planning. The expanded Club World Cup, involving 32 of the world’s top teams, has been controversial since its announcement, given the already congested football calendar. Scheduled to take place every four years between the FIFA World Cup, the European Championship, and Copa America, the tournament has proceeded amid legal challenges, threats of strike action, and ongoing concerns over the mental and physical well-being of players.