United News of Bangladesh

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.

Lionel Messi continued his remarkable form with a fifth consecutive multi-goal match, leading Inter Miami to a 2-1 win over Nashville SC on Saturday night and halting Nashville's 15-game unbeaten streak. With this victory, Miami (11-3-5) secured its fifth straight win and climbed to fifth place in the Supporters’ Shield standings, reinforcing its pursuit of back-to-back league titles. Messi, who made history earlier in the week as the first player in MLS history with four straight multi-goal games, added to that tally against Nashville. The 38-year-old Argentine star opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a low free-kick that curved through the defensive wall. Although Nashville drew level early in the second half with a header from Hany Mukhtar, Messi restored Miami’s lead in the 62nd minute, intercepting a poor pass from Nashville keeper Joe Willis and calmly slotting home. Messi now boasts 16 goals in 16 MLS matches this season, tying Nashville’s Sam Surridge (16 goals in 21 matches) as the league’s top scorer. Fernández warns of heat ahead of Chelsea-PSG final Nashville (12-5-5), previously unbeaten since mid-April across all competitions, had surged to third place in the Supporters’ Shield race. The streak was the longest active run in MLS and marked the best stretch in the club’s six-year history. Messi's first goal brought his total to 55 goals in 66 appearances for Inter Miami. Source: Agency 

As Chelsea prepares to face Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday’s Club World Cup final, midfielder Enzo Fernández raised concerns over extreme heat conditions and urged FIFA to reconsider scheduling afternoon matches during next year’s World Cup. “Honestly, the heat is incredible,” Fernández said on Friday. “The other day I got a little dizzy during a play. I had to lie down on the ground because I was really dizzy. Playing in this temperature is very dangerous.” Chelsea and PSG will kick off at 3 p.m. EDT at MetLife Stadium, which will also host the 2026 World Cup final. Forecasts project a temperature of 83°F (28°C), but humidity will make it feel closer to 91°F (33°C). “The speed of the game is not the same,” Fernández added. “Everything becomes very slow. Well, let’s hope that next year they change the schedule, at least so that it remains a beautiful and attractive football spectacle.” Chelsea captain Reece James echoed the challenge but expressed some optimism. “The game will be harder for the team that doesn’t have the ball,” he said. “I think we’ve played in it a fair amount now, so I’d say we’re slowly, slowly getting used to it.” Leverkusen sign US midfielder Malik Tillman in record deal Both teams were excused from media duties on Saturday by FIFA, which has also slashed ticket prices throughout the tournament. The lowest-priced tickets have now dropped from $330 to $199.60 ahead of the final. PSG enters the match aiming to complete a historic quadruple, having already secured the Ligue 1 title, the Coupe de France, and their first-ever UEFA Champions League title, defeating Inter Milan 5-0 in the final. “We really want to go grab this title and this would make it an absolutely perfect season, which would be very hard to replicate,” said PSG captain Marquinhos. “We really want to make history.” Chelsea is looking for its second Club World Cup title after winning in 2021. The Blues have had an extra day of rest after defeating Fluminense 2-0 on Tuesday, while PSG thrashed Real Madrid 4-0 the following day. Despite a comparatively modest season — finishing fourth in the Premier League, and early exits from the FA Cup and League Cup — Chelsea lifted the UEFA Conference League title. “Everyone is picking up our opposition,” said James. “We are preparing right and we are going to win.” Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca acknowledged PSG’s dominance: “I agree with most of the people that they say that they are the best team in Europe, the best team in the world, and the reason why is because they are showing this — they show in France, they show in the Champions League, they are showing in this competition.”

Bayer Leverkusen has signed United States international Malik Tillman from Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven for a club-record transfer fee, the Bundesliga side announced Saturday. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder signed a contract with Leverkusen through June 2030. According to German sports magazine Kicker, the club is paying PSV a fixed sum of €35 million ($41 million), making Tillman the most expensive incoming player in Leverkusen’s history. “We’ve gained another strong and very dangerous attacking player,” said Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes. “He can play in both the number 10 and the number 8 positions in midfield. Malik is an absolute top signing for us.” Born in Nuremberg, Germany, to a German mother and an American father, Tillman progressed through the youth ranks at Bayern Munich after moving from Greuther Fürth in 2015. He made only seven senior appearances for Bayern before joining Scottish side Rangers on loan in the 2022–23 season. Nottingham forest sign Brazilian defender Jair Cunha from Botafogo The following year, Tillman joined PSV Eindhoven on loan with an option to buy. PSV later activated that clause, making the transfer permanent. He scored 16 goals and assisted five more in 34 competitive appearances last season, playing a key role in PSV’s Eredivisie title-winning campaign. Leverkusen is undergoing a major squad rebuild this summer following the departure of star midfielder Florian Wirtz to Liverpool for a Bundesliga-record fee. Head coach Xabi Alonso also left for Real Madrid, while captain Jonathan Tah joined Bayern Munich and Jeremie Frimpong also signed with Liverpool. Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has taken over as head coach, with Leverkusen investing in a number of promising young players. On Friday, the club announced the signing of 18-year-old Cameroonian forward Christian Kofane from Spanish side Albacete. Other new arrivals include English defender Jarell Quansah from Liverpool, Dutch goalkeeper Mark Flekken from Brentford, French youth international Axel Tape from Paris Saint-Germain, and attacking midfielder Ibrahim Maza from Hertha Berlin.

Premier League side Nottingham Forest on Friday announced the signing of Brazilian centre-back Jair Cunha from Botafogo. Cunha becomes the second Botafogo player to join Forest this week, following striker Igor Jesus, who signed with the club on Saturday after impressing in the ongoing Club World Cup. The 20-year-old defender has signed a five-year contract with Forest, though financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Tottenham signs Ghana’s Kudus from West Ham, eyes Forest’s Gibbs-White Both Cunha and Jesus helped Botafogo reach the round of 16 at the tournament in the United States. Cunha netted one goal, while Jesus scored twice, including the decisive strike against Paris Saint-Germain. Cunha began his senior career at Santos, where he had played since the age of 10, making 24 appearances before joining Botafogo in February. “Jair has flourished in Brazil and now has new ambitions as he moves to the Premier League," said Ross Wilson, Nottingham Forest’s Chief Football Officer. Nottingham Forest is set to return to European competition for the first time since 1996, having secured a seventh-place finish in the Premier League last season.

A brilliant hattrick by striker Sagorika guided defending champions Bangladesh to make a flying start  will start in the four-nation South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U-20 Women’s Championship’2025 crushing Sri Lanka by 9-1 goals in the opening match at the Bashundhara Kings Arena Friday afternoon Favorite Bangladesh clearly dominated the first by 3-0 goals in a comparatively water soaked ground. In the day's opener, Sagorika made the first hattrick of the tournament scoring three goals, Munki Akter struck twice while Sapna Rani, Rupa Akhter, Shikha Akhter and Shanti Mardi scored one each for Bangladesh   Sri Lankan team scored a consolation goal in the added time of the match . Sapna Rani put Bangladesh ahead in the very 2nd minute (2-0), Munki Akhter doubled the Bangladesh margin in the 5th minute while Sagorika scored the 3rd goal in the 37th minute to lead the first half by 3-0 goals. SAFF U-20 Women’s Championship’2025 begins here on Friday Munki Akter scored her 2nd and team's 4th goal in the 48th minute, Sinha Jahan Shikha scored the 5th goal in the 50th minute , Sagorika scored her 2nd and the Bangladesh 6th goal in the 53rd minute. Sagorika completed the first hattrick of the tournament scoring her 3rd and team's 7th goal in the 58th minute, Ripa Akter scored the 8th goal in the 86th minute and Shanti Mardi sealed the fate of the match in the added time (90+4) of the match In the day's other opening day's fixture, Nepal will encounter Bhutan at  7 pm local time at the same venue. Four South Asian nations –Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and hosts Bangladesh-- are taking part  in the 11-day meet on double league basis, organised by South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) under the auspices of Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF). Afeida Khondakar, who captained Bangladesh Women’s team to qualify for the first-ever final round berth of the AFC Women’s Asia Cup recently, also leading the Bangladesh team in the ensuing SAFF U-20 Women’s championship and made a flying start in the opener. In the other double league basis matches, Bangladesh will play Nepal on July 13, 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.

Tottenham Hotspur has signed Ghanaian forward Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United, the club confirmed on Thursday. Meanwhile, reports suggest the North London side is also close to securing Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White. While the club did not reveal the financial terms of Kudus’ deal, British media reported the transfer fee to be around £55 million ($75 million). The 24-year-old attacker netted 19 goals in 80 appearances during his two seasons at West Ham, having arrived from Dutch club Ajax. Kudus expressed enthusiasm about working with new Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank, stating, “The most important part of why I came here is the project and how the manager sees that I can develop under him. I have seen the amount of talent he has developed to become great players, and that is a big sign of why I wanted to work under him as well.” João Pedro nets twice against former club as Chelsea reach Club World Cup final Tottenham’s rebuild under Frank could continue with the addition of Gibbs-White, who is reportedly undergoing a medical ahead of a potential £60 million ($81.5 million) move. The 24-year-old was a key figure for Forest last season, scoring seven goals and providing eight assists in 34 league matches, helping the club qualify for European competition for the first time since 1996. Source: Agency 

Defending champions Bangladesh will start their campaign in the four-nation South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U-20 Women’s Championship’2025 taking on Sri Lanka in the opening match on Friday (July 11) on way to their mission of retaining the title. The match will kick-off at 3 pm local time at the Bashundhara Kings Arena in the capital Nepal will encounter Bhutan in the other opening day’s fixture at 7 pm local time at the same venue. Four South Asian nations –Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and hosts Bangladesh-- will compete in the 11-day meet on double league basis, organised by South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) under the auspices of Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF). All the four participating team made their final practices at the different city venues on Thursday Afeida Khondakar, who captained Bangladesh Women’s team to qualify for the first-ever final round berth of the AFC Women’s Asia Cup recently, will also lead the Bangladesh team in the ensuing SAFF U-20 Women’s championship. SAFF U-20 Women’s Championship’2025 begins here on Friday Seven senior players of the recently concluded AFC Women’s Asia Cup, except Ritu Porna Chakma, Tohura Khatun and Shamsunnahar Junior were included in the Bangladesh team for the SAFF U-20 Women’s Championship. In a pre-match press conference on Thursday, Bangladesh captain and head coach Peter Butler expressed their high hope to retain SAFF Women’s title giving their respect to other participating teams. The captains and head coaches of Sri Lanka and Bhutan teams mentioned Bangladesh team is the favorite in the tournament while Nepalese team expressed their determination to battle for the title. Mbappé withdraws harassment case against PSG, pursues reconciliation Bangladesh and India emerged joint champions 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. In the other double league basis matches, Bangladesh will play Nepal on July 13, 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.