United News of Bangladesh

An Argentine court on Thursday declared a mistrial in the case of seven health professionals accused of negligence in the death of soccer legend Diego Maradona, the latest soap-operatic turn in the trial that has tranfixed the soccer world. The judges ruled there would be a new trial, without specifying when. The pivot comes after one of the three judges overseeing the trial stepped down over criticism surrounding her participation in a forthcoming documentary series about the case, "Divine Justice," which spanned from the aftermath of Maradona’s death, as scandals and suspicions of foul play began to emerge, to the start of the trial. In calling for the judge, Julieta Makintach, to be recused, the prosecutor on Tuesday presented the trailer for her documentary — a one-and-a-half-minute teaser that intercuts archival footage of Maradona scoring iconic goals with shots of Makintach strutting through the corridors of the Buenos Aires courthouse in high heels and a short skirt as a string soundtrack heightens suspense. The prosecutor asked judges to investigate allegations that Makintach had violated judicial ethics in allowing a camera crew inside the courthouse to film her overseeing closed-door hearings for the reality TV-style series. As the claims snowballed into a national scandal, Makintach on Tuesday said that she had “no choice” but to resign from the case. The judges decided on Thursday to retry the entire case, effectively turning the clock back on all proceedings since March 11, when the trial began amid intense media scrutiny and called dozens of distraught witnesses to testify over 21 hearings. "Judge Makintach did not act impartially. Her conduct caused harm to both the plaintiffs and the defense," Judge Maximiliano Savarino said in declaring the mistrial. “The only person responsible is the recused judge.” He added: “This is an unpleasant decision.” At the courthouse, two of the soccer star's daughters, Gianinna and Dalma Maradona, began to weep. The decision threw into doubt the timeline of the trial, which was initially expected to last until July. Thursday's ruling said that a higher court would select the three new judges by lottery “within a reasonable period of time.” The case accuses Maradona’s medical team of failing to provide adequate care for the soccer star in weeks leading up to his sudden death on November 25, 2020. Maradona died at age 60 from cardiac arrest while recovering from surgery for a blood clot on the brain at a rented home outside Buenos Aires. Although the case largely hinges on medical technicalities, the biweekly testimonies have also become tabloid fodder — like much in Maradona's life, which included long spates of drug and alcohol abuse. Experts have taken the stand to allege that Maradona agonized for 12 hours before his death while his sisters and daughters have tearfully accused his medics of leaving him alone in squalor when he should have been hospitalized. The defendants, who deny all accusations, were charged with culpable homicide, a crime similar to involuntary manslaughter in that it implies the accused were aware of the risk caused by their reckless conduct and ignored it. They include Leopoldo Luque, Maradona’s primary physician at the time of his death, as well as his psychologist, psychiatrist, medical coordinator and nurses. The crime carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison. The defendants say Maradona was a difficult patient who did not allow himself to be treated. Maradona, who famously led Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup, is regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time. His rags-to-riches story resonated with his fellow Argentines and he is widely revered as a national hero.

AC Milan fired Sergio Conceicao as expected on Thursday following a disappointing season that saw the Rossoneri fail to qualify for Europe. The seven-time European champion has reportedly reached an agreement with Massimiliano Allegri to return as coach. Milan finished eighth in Serie A, 19 points behind Italian champion Napoli. “The club would like to thank Sergio and his staff for their commitment, professionalism and dedication shown during their time leading the first team over the past few months,” Milan said in a statement. Conceicao replaced the fired Paulo Fonseca in December with an 18-month contract and promptly guided Milan to the Italian Super Cup title in Saudi Arabia during his first matches in charge. Messi scores twice, assists in Miami's 4-2 win over Montreal But Milan was eliminated by Feyenoord in the Champions League playoffs in February then got beat by Bologna in the Italian Cup final this month. Meanwhile, city rival Inter Milan will play Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final Saturday. Allegri coached Milan to the Serie A title in 2011.

Bangladesh has been placed in four-team Group C of the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia’ 2026 Qualifiers with former runners-up Vietnam, Yemen and Singapore. The grouping and fixture of the qualifying round of the AFC U-23 Asian Cup was held at the AFC House in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur on Thursday. All the group matches will be held during September 1 to 9 with Group C matches in Vietnam. In Group C matches, Bangladesh will play hosts Vietnam on September 1, will face Yemen on Sept 6 and Singapore on Sept 9. Forty four Asian teams, split into eleven groups, will compete in the meet. Later, eleven group champion teams, four best group runners-up and hosts Saudi Arabia will play in the 16-team final round to be held in Saudi Arabia January next year. Bangladesh was eliminated from the first round of the last meet losing all the three matches. Bangladesh suffered 0-2 goals defeat against Malaysia, conceded 0-3 goals defeat against Thailand and handed 0-1 defeat against the Philippines in the last meet..      

Lionel Messi scored twice and had an assist, and Inter Miami broke out of its slump with a 4-2 victory over Montreal on Wednesday night. Messi scored in the 27th and 87th minutes and set up Luis Suárez's goal with some nice dribbling in the 68th. Suárez added another in the 71st. The win gave Messi's Inter Miami team just its second victory in its past eight matches. Miami last won on May 3, going 0-2-2 since then and dropping to sixth in the Eastern Conference. It has been a surprising plunge for a team that went 22-4-8 during the regular season in 2024 to set MLS records for points (74) and winning percentage (.765) and captured the Supporters Shield — so puzzling that Messi spoke recently of the group's need to stick together despite the difficulties.  Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi team up to launch a soccer club in Uruguay His pep talk seemed to work. In its last match, Miami rallied from a two-goal deficit to tie Philadelphia, which leads MLS with 10 wins this season. And that momentum carried over against Montreal, which is last in the Eastern Conference with only one win. “We know in what situation we are (in),” said Miami coach Javier Mascherano. “Sometimes you have to analyze not just the result, you have to analyze the game, how we play. I think in some games we didn’t get the result that we wanted. We deserved it a little bit more, but in (soccer), you don’t deserve, you have to do.” Messi's first goal on Wednesday was set up by Sergio Busquets, who delivered a pass to his former Barcelona teammate and set the screen that freed up Messi for his seventh goal of the MLS season. Messi then linked up with Suárez to give Miami a two-goal cushion midway through the second half, and iced the win on a pass from Suárez just before the end of regulation. It was a much-needed goal for Suárez, who finished last season tied for the second-most goals in MLS with 20, but had just two entering Wednesday's match. It was also the offensive performance Miami needed before it begins Club World Cup play. The Herons have another MLS match at home on Saturday against Columbus before their first contest of the tournament against Al Ahly of Egypt on June 14. Miami could be without three defenders on Saturday, including veteran left back Jordi Alba, who went down with a lower-body injury in the first half. Mascherano said the team would need to gather more information to find out the extent of the injury. Gonzalo Luján and Toto Aviles also left with lower-body injuries. Lionel Messi speaks after latest Inter Miami loss, says reeling team must stick together Miami allowed two late Montreal goals by Dante Sealy and Victor Loturi, both lapses that Mascherano was not happy about. “That is something that is unacceptable,” he said, “that we have to improve.”    

Bangladesh National Women's football team, now in Jordan to play two International friendlies against Indonesia and hosts Jordan, made their 2nd training session Wednesday morning at the Jawa ground in the capital Amman. A 23-member Bangladesh Women’s team, which safely reached Amman, will play higher ranked Indonesia on May 31 and hosts Jordan on June 3 in a three-nation tournament in Jordan during the FIFA International window. Both the matches will be played at the King Abdullah Stadium in Amman—the first match will kicks off at 5 pm local time and 8: pm Bangladesh time while the 2nd match scheduled for 7 pm local time and 10 pm Bangladesh time.    In the day’s training session, Bangladesh team focused on their first match against completely unknown Indonesia and preparing themselves with determination to make good results. Football: Hamza, Shamit and Fahamedul feature in preliminary Bangladesh squad for two int'l matches Bangladesh's experienced campaigner Tohura Khatun expressed her total satisfaction over the day’s team preparation in a suitable weather and a good local facilities. She said all of the Bangladesh players are now in good mood and the team have no injury problems.   Members of Bangladesh Women's Football team are: Rupna Chakma, Sheuly Azim, Shamsunnahar Sr, Shamsinnahar Jr, Monika Chakma, Ritu Porna Chakma,  Maria Manda, Tohura Khatun, Afeida Khandakar, (Captain) Sagorika, Shaheda Akhter Ripa, Munki Akter, Swapna Rani, Khohati Kishku, Sourovi Akhand Preeti, Sultana, Megla Rani Roy, Joynob Bibi Rita, Halima Akhter, Nabiran Khatun, Ferdoushi Akter Sonali, Umhela Marma and Shanti Mardi.

Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has announced a 26-member preliminary squad of Bangladesh for two International matches against Bhutan and Singapore in Dhaka including three Bangladesh-origin foreign booters--- Hamza Chowdhury, Shamit Shome and Fahamedul  Islam. The Spanish Head Coach of Bangladesh National Football team Havier Cabrera announced the 26-member squad on Wednesday. Bangladesh will play a FIFA Tier-1 International Friendly match against Bhutan on June 4 at 7 pm and will face Singapore in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers on June 10 at 7 pm, both at the renovated National Stadium in Dhaka. All the tickets of the June 10 match against Singapore are already sold out.  Bangladesh origin English Premier League playing Hamza, who already made his debut for Bangladesh playing the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers match against hosts India, is now awaiting to play for his first match on home soil against Singapore on June 10.  He is expected to arrive here on June 2 or 3. Canadian national and premier league playing Shamit Shome is also set to make his debut for Bangladesh in the ensuing AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers match against Singapore and he is expected to arrive here on June 4. BPL Football : Dhaka Abahani Ltd finish runners- up outplaying Brothers Union Club by 3-0 goal Italian league playing forward Fahamedul Islam arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday morning to join the national camp. Three more players –Jamal Bhuyan (Denmark), Tariq Raihan Kazi (Finland) and Syed Shah Quazem Kirmanee (Canada) – have long been playing for Bangladesh. Local forward Sumon Reza was also included in national squad again in place of Chandan Roy. The preliminary national training camp begins here on Friday.  Bangladesh squad: Goalkeeper: Mitul Marman, Sujon Hossain and Mehedi Hasan Srabon Defender: Shakil Ahad Topu, Jahid Hasan Shanto, Rahmat Mia, Isa Faysal, Taj Uddin, Tariq Raihan Kazi, Topu Barman and Saad Uddin. Midfielder : Mohammad Ridoy, Syed Shah Quazem Kirmanee, Sohel Rana. Mojibor Rahman Jony, Shekh Morsalim, Jamal Bhuyan, Hamza Chowdhury and Shamit Shome. Forwards : Fahamedul Islam,  Foysal Ahmed Fahim, Rakib Hossain, Emon Shahrior,  Mohammad Ibrahim, Al Amin and Sumon Reza.

Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi have been partners on the pitch for several years. Now they're teaming up off it as businessmen. Suarez announced on Tuesday he has founded a professional soccer team in his native Uruguay, and he is bringing his Inter Miami teammate along on the project. Suarez, the all-time scoring leader of Uruguay’s national team, explained in a video posted on his social media accounts that the team formerly known as Deportivo LS will now be called LSM and will start playing professional soccer in the Uruguay’s fourth division. “Deportivo LS is a family dream that began in 2018. We have grown a lot with more than 3,000 members,” Suarez said. "I want to offer Uruguayan soccer, the place I love and where I grew up as a child, opportunities and tools for teenagers and children to grow.” The 38-year-old Suarez retired from international soccer last September, played with Messi at Barcelona for six seasons, and they've been teammates the past two years with Inter Miami. Ronaldo hints at exit, says his 'Chapter Is Over' with Al-Nassr “I’m proud and happy that you chose me, so I hope to contribute everything I can to continue growing and, above all, to be by your side in this,” said Messi, who was sitting alongside Suarez in the video. It's still unclear what Messi’s role will be in the project, although local media reported that he will be a partner. It was also reported that Álvaro Recoba, a former player for the Uruguay national team and Inter Milan, will be the team’s coach. The announcement also launched the club’s Instagram account, which had over 40,000 followers two hours after its creation. Suárez and his family opened an 20-acre sports complex in 2018 in Ciudad de la Costa on the outskirts of Montevideo. It has numerous activities for more than 3,000 members. The club has a synthetic turf stadium with a capacity for 1,400 spectators, among other fields.

Six-time champions Dhaka Abahani Limited finished runners up in the 10-team Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Football beating Brothers Union Club by 3-0 goal at the Shaheed Dhirendranath Datta Stadium in Cumilla on Tuesday. Local defender Asaduzzaman Bablu scored the first goal for the sky- blue Dhanmondi outfit Abahani in the 24th minute (1-0),  Brazilian midfielder Raphael Augusto doubled the margin in the 51st minute (2-0) while local forward Mirajul Islam sealed the fate of the match scoring the 3rd goal for Abahani in the 86th minute (3-0). In the day’s other match, coming from behind, last time champions Bashundhara Kings became 3rd in the league beating Dhaka Wanderers Club by 5-3 goal at their home ground of Bashundhara Kings Arena on Tuesday afternoon. Striker Shekh Morsalin made a hattrick for the Kings scoring three goal in the 42nd, 45+4th and 66th minutes while forward Rakib Hossain and Mohammad Hossen Rahul scored one each for the Kings. Midfielder Mohammad Sadik Ahmed, Shahinul Islam Sumon and Manjurul  Karim scored one each for the relegated side Dhaka Wanderers Club in the 8th, 49th and 90+4 minutes respectively. In the day's other match, ride on a hattrick hy Malian booter Souleymane Diabate, Dhaka Mohammedan SC, which clinched the first-ever BPL crown with three matches spare earlier, outplayed Youngmen's Club Fakirerpool by 6-1 goals at the Shaheed Barkat Stadium in Gazipur Tuesday afternoon. Kool-BSJA Media Cup Football tournament begins Souleymane Diabate made a hattrick scoring five goals in the 5th, 23rd, 39th ,71st and 90th minutes while Sourav Dewan netted the other goal for the traditional black and whites Mohammedan in the 81st minute  R Tudu scored the consolation goal for the Youngmen's Club Fakirerpool in the 86th minute.. In the day's remaining match, coming from behind, Rahmatganj MFS finished 4th in the league outplaying  Bangladesh Police FC by 4-1 goals at the Fl.Lt Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj on Tuesday featuring a hattrick by Ghana booter Samuel Boateng. Ghana forward Samuel Boateng made a hattrick scoring three goals  while Gambian booter Solomon King Kanform netted the other goal for the old Dhaka outfit Rahmatganj while D Quipapa netted lone goal  for the Police FC. After day's 18th and last round matches, Dhaka Mohammedan emerged champions with 42 points, Dhaka Abahani Ltd finished runners up with 35 points, Basundhara Kings was placed 3rd with 32 points,  Rahmatganj MFS finished 4th with 30 points while Brothers Union Club became 5th with 27 points.

England goalkeeper Mary Earps surprisingly retired from international soccer on Tuesday, just five weeks before the Women's European Championship. Earps was in goal when the Lionesses won Euro 2022 and reached the Women's World Cup final in 2023. She was facing increased competition for her place from Chelsea's Hannah Hampton but was due to join England this week for Nations League group games against Portugal and Spain, reports AP. "I have taken the difficult decision to retire internationally,” Earps said in a statement on X. "It has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life, to wear this badge, represent my country and play alongside such an incredible group of players. "I've spent a long time making this decision and it's not one I've made lightly. For me, ultimately this is the right time for me to step aside and give the younger generation an opportunity to thrive. “Winning the Euros in 2022 was the best day of my life and I'm rooting for the girls to do it again this summer.” Ronaldo hints at exit, says his 'Chapter Is Over' with Al-Nassr The 32-year-old Earps debuted for England in 2017 and earned 53 caps. Individual accolades included two FIFA Best awards and a World Cup golden glove. “I had hoped that Mary would play an important role within the squad this summer, so of course I am disappointed,” England manager Sarina Wiegman said. "Mary has been clear on her reasons why she has made the decision and it is something we need to accept. “Mary has made a huge contribution to not only the team, but the whole of English football. We will cherish those memories and of course give Mary the tributes she deserves after the summer, but for now the focus needs to be on the upcoming UEFA Women’s Nations League fixtures and the Euros.”

The 40-year-old Portugal striker posted a message on social media hours after the final round of the Saudi Pro League late Monday sparking speculation over the future of one of the most high-profile figures in sports. “This chapter is over,” Ronaldo told his 115 million followers on X, above a picture of him in an Al-Nassr jersey. “The story? Still being written. Grateful to all.” The five-time world player of the year joined Al-Nassr in late 2022 and his contract will expire at the end of June. Casemiro returns in Ancelotti's first Brazil squad for World Cup qualifiers On Saturday, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said Ronaldo could play at the new-look, expanded Club World Cup starting on June 14 because of a unique transfer window created for the tournament. “There are discussions with some clubs," Infantino told online streamer IShowSpeed, whose YouTube channel has more than 39 million subscribers. "So if any club is watching and is interested in hiring Ronaldo for the Club World Cup, who knows. Still a few weeks time, will be fun.” Al-Nassr, which finished in third place in the Saudi league this season, did not qualify for the Club World Cup — where Lionel Messi, Ronaldo's great rival, will be playing with Inter Miami. Ronaldo did not react on Saturday to Infantino’s speculation on his social media channels.