United News of Bangladesh

Five more senior footballers of the SAFF Women's champions Bangladesh team left the capital for Thimphu on Sunday to play in the Bhutan National Women's Football League beginning there on April 15. The day's Thimphu bound five footballers are: Sanjida Akter, Maria Manda, Shamsunnahar Sr, Masura Parvin and Rupna Chakma . Another Bangladesh booter Krishna Rani Sarkar, who was also supposed fly Bhutan today along with five other players, failed to miss the day's trip for not getting work permit in time. Earlier on last Sunday, four players --Bangladesh captain Sabina Khatun, SAFF's best player Ritu Porna Chakma, reliable national booters Monika Chakma and Matsushima Sumaya--reached Thimphu to play for Paro FC in the Bhutan league. With the day's five, a record nine Bangladeshi players are going to play together in the Bhutan league, for the first time in a foreign league. Apart from Paro FC,'s Sabina, Ritu Porna, Monika and Sumaiya, national defender Masura Parvin and SAFF's best goalkeeper Rupna Chakma will play for the Transport United while Maria Manda, Sanjida Akter and Shamsunnahar Sr will play for Thimphu City. But, their clubs will have to release them during Bangladesh national team's engagements as per FIFA rules. Captain Sabina Khatun also played in the Maldives league while Sanjida Akter played for Kolkata East Bengal Club. Besides, four Bangladeshi players--Sabina Khatun ,Ritu Porna, Maria Manda and Monika Chakma -- played for Royal Thimphu College FC of Bhutan in the AFC Women's Champions League in August last year.

Barcelona eked out a 1-0 win after an own goal from relegation-threatened Leganes on Saturday to protect its lead in the Spanish league. Raphinha, Barcelona’s breakout player of the season and the Champions League’s leading scorer, came through again for Hasni Flick's team in attack – and defence, AP reports. Raphina's dangerous cross was turned into the net by Leganes defender Jorge Sáenz for the game's only goal in the 48th minute. The Brazil forward then showed hustle when he disrupted a promising pass for Leganes’ top scorer, Daniel Rabaseda, late in the first half. The hard-earned win extended Barcelona's lead to seven points over Real Madrid before the titleholders visit Alaves on Sunday. After this weekend there are seven rounds left, including a “clasico” next month. “These games are where leagues are won,” Barcelona’s Éric García said. “It was a night to put the pressure (on Madrid).” FIFA chief hails expanded tournaments in AFC speech Leganes shocked Barcelona 1-0 in December, during a dip in form by the Catalan club. But since the start of 2025, Barcelona has now gone 24 games without a loss and is in the running for a treble of titles including the Copa del Rey, where it has set up a final against Madrid. “To win this match was very important,” Flick said. “I am really proud about my team. What they are doing the last weeks and months is incredible.” Barcelona kept up is momentum before it visits Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday aiming to make good on its 4-0 first-leg win in their Champions League quarterfinal. Sáenz’s error spoiled an otherwise strong performance from the southern Madrid side, which generated more scoring chances than the front-runners.

Dhaka Mohammedan SC brightened their chance to clinch the 10-team Bashundhara Group Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Football crown, beating five-time champions Bashundhara Kings by 2-1 goals in a nerve-shattering match at the floodlight Bashundhara Kings Arena here Saturday evening. With the day’s shocking defeat, big-budgeted and star-studded Bashundhara Kings went into the title race with 20 points from eleven matches and remained at the 3rd slot in the league table. This was the 2nd consecutive defeat for Bashundhara Kings against the Mohammedan SC in the ongoing league after their first defeat in the first phase league. However, the Kings clinched the season’s curtain raiser soccer meet, the Challenge Cup Football 2024-25, outplaying Mohammedan SC by 3-1 goals in the final last November. By virtue of the day’s inspiring victory, the traditional black and whites Mohammedan SC kept their league’s top slot intact, comfortably securing 30 points from eleven matches, while Dhaka Abahani Limited followed them with 26 points, also playing eleven matches. In the day’s match, captain cum long-serving Mali booter Souleymane Diabate scored both the goals for Dhaka Mohammedan SC in the 19th and 86th minutes, while Rakib Hossain netted the only goal for the Kings in the 25th minute. Souleymane Diabate put Mohammedan SC ahead in the 19th minute, utilising a misunderstanding between Kings defender and custodian Srabon (1-0). But forward Rakib Hossain levelled the margin for Kings in the 25th minute by a rebounder when a free kick of his mate Jonathan came his way from opponent custodian Sujon (1-1).   When the match was almost heading for a draw, then Souleymane Diabate again came to rescue Mohammedan SC, scoring the match-winner in the 86th minute, beating the opponent defender and custodian (2-1). Bashundhara Kings were restricted to 10 men in the 48th minute as their Rimon got marching orders in the 48th minute. After winning the match, players of the Mohammedan SC gave a lap of honour at the ground with the Palestinian flag. In the day’s other match, Dhaka Abahani Limited outplayed Dhaka Wanderers Club by 4-1 goals at the Shaheed Barkat Stadium in Gazipur Saturday afternoon. After a barren first half in Gazipur, Brazilian midfielder Raphael Augusto struck twice for the sky-blue Dhanmondi outfit Abahani Ltd in the 48th and 83rd minutes; local striker Sumon Reza and medio Mohammad Hridoy added two more goals for Abahani in the 51st and 57th minutes, respectively.  Sakib Bepari netted the consolation for the old horse Dhaka Wanderers Club in the 55th minute from a penalty. In the day's other match, Fortis FC advanced to the 5th slot in the league table, defeating Brothers Union Club by 2-0 goals at the Bir Shreshtho FL Lt Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj on Saturday. Defender Kamacai Marma put Fortis FC ahead in the 45th minute, while Gambian forward Pa Omar extended the Fort's margin in the 60th minute.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino praised the impact of expanded tournaments in the development of soccer around the world in a video message to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Congress on Saturday. Speaking from the United States, host of this year's Club World Cup which will feature 32 teams in June and July instead of the previous seven, Infantino addressed the 46 member associations gathered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, AP reports. “Opportunities to face opponents from different continents don’t come along too often and that is something that we have been trying to change at FIFA,” said Infantino, who has pushed for bigger and new tournaments since taking his position in 2016 in a bid to generate more revenue for the organization’s 211 member associations. Asia will have four representatives at the Club World Cup: Al-Ain of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal, Ulsan HD of South Korea and Japan’s Urawa Reds. “In total, players from more nations will represent their respective countries at this tournament than at all of the FIFA World Cups combined since 1930,” added Infantino. “It is further proof in our desire to make football truly global.” While there has been some criticism of expanded tournaments in Europe because of the increased demands placed on players, AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa said Infantino had Asia’s support. BPL Football: Rahmatganj MFS, Police FC win respective matches on resumption week “This is a competition that we have supported as a confederation and a competitive opportunity which our members, and their clubs, have wanted,” the AFC president said. The United States will also co-host the 2026 World Cup along with Mexico and Canada in the first tournament to feature 48 national teams, an increase from 32 in 2022. “Some teams will break new ground in reaching that competition as a result, not only of the move to 48 teams with eight or even nine Asian teams now being able to qualify, but also a product of the tireless work being done by you all,” added Infantino. Infantino did not mention Thursday’s proposal by Alejandro Dominguez, the president of South American soccer’s ruling body CONMEBOL, that the 2030 World Cup, which will be hosted by six nations, feature 64 teams in order to mark the centennial celebration of the tournament. In March, FIFA said it would look into the South American proposal when it was first broached by a Uruguayan official. Uruguay hosted the first World Cup in 1930. The 1930 World Cup, won by the host Uruguay side, featured 13 teams which did not have to pre-qualify — seven from South America, four from Europe and two from North America. Many European teams did not participate because of the difficulty of traveling to South America during the Great Depression.

Rahmatganj Muslim Friends Society and Bangladesh Police FC win their respective matches in the 10-team Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Football on the resuming day at two separate venues across the country on Friday ( April 11). The country's most prestigious football league began today ( Friday) after more than one and half months. With the day's feat, Rahmatganj MFS advanced to the 4th slot in the league table securing 18 points from 11 matches while Police FC also improved their position to 5th slot collecting 16 points from 11 encounters. In the day's match, the old Dhaka outfit Rahmatganj MFS beat Chittagong Abahani Limited by 2-0 goals at the Bir Shreshtha Fl. Lt Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj Friday afternoon. Defender Tanvir Hossain put Rahmatganj ahead in the 27th minute (1-0) while Ghana forward Samuel Boateng confirmed the Rahmatganj victory scoring one more goal in the 44th minute (2-0) In the day's other league match, Bangladesh Police FC outplayed Youngmen's Club Fakirerpooi by 3-0 goals at the Shaheed Barkat Stadium in Gazipur Friday afternoon. After a barren first half, Forward Sheikh Bablu struck twice for the Police FC in 71st and 85th the minutes while another forward Dipok Roy netted the remaining goal in the 79th minute.. The Titans battle between holders Bashundhara Kings and league leader Dhaka Mohammedan SC will kick-off at 5:30 pm on Saturday at the Bashundhara Kings Arena.here. Mohammedan SC dominated the league table comfortably securing 27 points, defending champions Bashundhara Kings are in the 3rd slot with 20 points while Dhaka Abahani Ltd in the 2nd slot with 23 points, all playing 10 matches each

India is among seven possible bidders wanting to host the 2031 Asian Cup in men’s soccer, the Asian Football Confederation said Friday. China was not among them. The other federations registering interest to enter the contest are Australia, Indonesia, Kuwait, South Korea — which has never hosted the tournament launched in 1956 — United Arab Emirates and a joint project between Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The AFC said a decision on hosting the 24-team tournament is scheduled next year at its annual congress. Two fans die before Colo Colo vs Fortaleza match in Chile Australia hosted and won the Asian Cup in 2015. The UAE hosted in 2019, starting a run of three straight editions in the Gulf. Qatar hosted the 2023 edition and Saudi Arabia has the 2027 Asian Cup, where Qatar will be the two-time defending champion. Qatar stepped in for the 2023 Asian Cup that had been awarded to China four years earlier. China pulled out citing health restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Indonesia co-hosted the 2007 Asian Cup and had the final in Jakarta. Kuwait hosted and won the 1980 tournament.

Two fans lost their lives on Thursday ahead of the Copa Libertadores fixture between hosts Colo Colo and Brazil’s Fortaleza near Santiago’s Estadio Monumental, a local prosecutor confirmed. Authorities reported that a group of supporters tried to storm the stadium and brought down part of a protective fence. The victims were said to have been trapped underneath. The match was eventually halted in the 70th minute due to fan unrest, although it was not immediately evident whether it was linked to the earlier fatalities. Eastern Flagrancy Prosecutor Francisco Morales stated that a group of fans attempted to enter the Estadio Monumental through the Casa Alba, a building next to the stadium, and police intervened to stop them. “A stampede followed, which caused a fence to collapse,” Morales said. “We are investigating the possible involvement of a police vehicle in the fatal incident.” Officials said one person died at the scene while the other passed away at a nearby clinic. Match halted during second halfLater in the evening, the match between Colo Colo and Fortaleza was suspended in the 70th minute with the score still 0-0, after local supporters launched a protest by throwing objects onto the field. It remained uncertain whether the demonstration was connected to the earlier deaths. Fortaleza players quickly retreated to the locker room, while Colo Colo’s squad, including captain Esteban Pavez and Arturo Vidal, attempted to pacify the crowd. Uruguayan referee Gustavo Tejera informed the teams that the match had been called off, prompting all players to head into the dressing rooms. It was later officially announced that the game had been suspended. “CONMEBOL deeply regrets the loss of two fans outside Estadio Monumental before the match between Colo Colo and Fortaleza,” the South American football governing body said. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones.”

Doctors testified Thursday that Diego Maradona should not have undergone surgery two weeks before his death because it was not a serious matter. After checking a CT scan of Maradona’s brain presented during the hearing, neurologist Martín Cesarini said: "It was not an emergency for surgery.” Neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque is one of seven medical professionals accused of negligence in the death of the soccer great. Neurologist Guillermo Pablo Burry also said at the trial that he told Luque surgery was not necessary and Maradona's clinical progress should just have been monitored. Cesarini and Burry examined Maradona at a clinic in Buenos Aires, where he had been transferred early in November 2020 for a medical check-up. Experts involved in Maradona’s autopsy testify that he had an abnormally large heart Flavio Tunessi, another doctor from the same facility, said in testimony: "Luque told me that for him it was a surgical procedure and he decided to transfer him.” It is alleged Luque did not listen to any of his colleagues and moved Maradona to another clinic, where the former Argentina captain underwent surgery for a hematoma on November 3 of that year. Maradona, who led Argentina to the World Cup title in 1986, died on Nov. 25, 2020 while undergoing home hospitalization on the outskirts of Buenos Aires. He was 60. According to the prosecution, the seven professionals charged in the negligence case — a neurosurgeon, a psychiatrist, a psychologist, doctors and nurses — failed to provide adequate care, which may have led to his death.

German Coach Hansi Flick has brought about a great positive change in the entire Barcelona squad this season. However, the one who has benefited most is Brazilian forward Raphinha. Before the start of the season, there was even talk on social media that the club would sell him, or that he himself was looking for an address elsewhere. Raphinha is now the heart of Barcelona's XI; the most hard-working and productive player in the team. Whether it's La Liga, Copa del Rey or the Champions League, the 28-year-old Brazilian has become an indispensable name in Barca's attack, scoring a hatful of goals himself and also assisting his teammates. Many are also placing him among their top candidates for the next Ballon d'Or. In the meantime, he is touching one record after another. Flick's men thrashed Borussia Dortmund 4-0 at home in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday night, putting them one foot in the semi-finals. Raphinha played a major role in the team's victory with a goal and two assists in this match. With this, his goal tally in the current season of European football’s flagship tournament moved to 12, to go with 7 assists. In doing so, he has written his name next to arguably the club’s greatest legend, Argentine Lionel Messi.  Twelve goals and seven assists mean Raphinha has contributed to a total of 19 goals in the Champions League this season so far, which is equal to the record set by Messi in the 2011-12 season. Messi achieved this feat with the help of 14 goals and 5 assists. Raphinha equals that feat more than a decade later. However, having done it before even the quarter finals are up, he has a great opportunity to surpass Messi in the next match and set a new club record. However, this is not the record for the highest number of goals contributions in a single Champions League season. There are three more numbers above Raphinha-Messi, two of which are by Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid and one by Robert Lewandowski in the Bayern Munich jersey. Ronaldo’s 2015/16 Champions League ended with 20 goal contributions  - 14 goals and 6 assists. Lewandowski surpassed that record by contributing 21 goals (15 goals, 6 assists) in the 2019/20 season. However, the Pole couldn’t surpass the record set by the Portuguese superstar in the 2013-14 season, when he made history by contributing a total of 22 goals - 17 goals and 5 assists - leading Real Madrid to La Decima, their historic 10th title. Within touching distance However, even that record is now under threat by the seemingly unstoppable Raphinha, who needs to contribute to just three more goals - either by scoring or assisting - to match it. The second leg of the quarter is now ahead of him. In addition, with a 4-0 lead, unless there is a huge upset in the second leg, this Brazilian is assured to play two more matches in the semi-finals. Even if just continues at his present rate, he can sit next to Ronaldo before the final is confirmed. Or even just one more performance like last night, and it can come true in one match.In addition to this record of contributing goals, Raphinha has also risen to a significant place in the record of scoring the most goals in a season. With 12 goals in 11 matches, he is in sixth place in this list in terms of most goals in a Champions League season. Lionel Messi is above him with 14 goals in the 2011/12 season. In addition, Ronaldo, whose Champions League record is unmatched in history, scored 15 goals in the 2017/18 season, in fourth place. Lewandowski is third in the list with the same 15 goals for having played fewer matches in the 2019/20 season. However, Cristiano’s name graces the top two spots for the most prolific Champions League goalscoring season ever, with 16 goals in the 2015/16 season and 17 goals in the aforementioned 2013/14 season. With the dominance of Hansi Flick's Barcelona this season, it will not be surprising if they reach the Champions League final. This would give Raphinha a real chance, with the opportunity to play four more matches.  However, this is not the only potential record facing him. Raphinha has already made history by setting several records and leading Barcelona in many matches this season.  In addition, he is in fourth place on the list of Brazilian goalscorers in the Champions League for Barcelona. Superstar Neymar tops the list with 21 goals, the great Rivaldo is in second place with 16 goals and the legendary Ronaldinho is in third place with 14 goals. Including last night's three, the Rio Grande do Sul-born footballer has also reached the milestone of contributing to 50 goals for the club this season. He has played 45 matches so far and has scored 28 goals and 22 assists, which is his career-high in a single season.  The Brazilian has been fully reciprocating the trust that Flick placed on his shoulders at a time when his future at Camp Nou was uncertain, with unwavering zeal. Flick said he had a 'special plan' for Raphinha. And the winger has gone from just 'special' to the 'main man' in his team, living up to his coach’s word. When all the team's captains have been ruled out due to injuries, he has become the leader from the front. Barcelona have not lost a single match since the turn of the year. The Catalan giants have won 19 of the 23 matches they have played in 2025. Flick has vowed to finish the rest of the season undefeated. As a result, he has made it clear that he wants to win all possible titles, albeit in a roundabout way. If the German has his way, Barcelona will play 13 more matches. The quadruple of the Spanish Super Cup, the Copa del Rey, La Liga and the Champions League is still on. And if they achieve that feat, Raphinha, may just dominate the next Ballon d'Or gala evening in Paris, like he is currently dominating on the field. 

Down 1-0 on the scoreboard, down 2-0 in total goals in the series and needing three goals to advance, Inter Miami needed a most unlikely rally. Lionel Messi made it happen. Inter Miami is headed to the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals for the first time, after Messi — the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner — led a dramatic three-goal comeback. He had two goals, including the clinching penalty kick in the 84th minute, to lift Inter Miami past LAFC 3-1 on Wednesday night and a 3-2 aggregate win in the two-leg series. “We gave it our all,” Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said. “We wanted it, we wanted to be in the semis, and I think it showed. ... Many times luck has to be on your side, and we had it.” Maybe it was luck. Maybe it was Messi. Maybe it was both. For Messi, the series clincher was a bit reminiscent of how he led Argentina past France in the World Cup final in 2022. He scored two goals in that match, one on a penalty kick — then also converted in the penalty-shot shootout that decided the final after it ended in a 3-3 tie. Those goals came against France's Hugo Lloris, who was also in net for LAFC on Wednesday night. Lloris couldn't solve Messi in the World Cup final — and couldn't in this one, either. Messi simply waited for Lloris to move a bit on the penalty that put Inter Miami up 3-1, essentially freezing the keeper before gently sending the ball into the right side of the net. And when the final whistle sounded, Mascherano punched the air in celebration. AC Milan defender Kyle Walker undergoes surgery after fracturing elbow “They believed,” Mascherano said. Oscar Ustari made two huge stops in the final minutes for Inter Miami, who will face either the Mexican club Pumas or the Vancouver Whitecaps in the tournament’s semifinals. The first leg of that two-leg matchup is set to start on either April 22, 23 or 24. Aaron Long scored in the ninth minute to give LAFC a 1-0 lead, but it put Inter Miami in a much deeper hole than that. Inter Miami lost the series opener at LAFC 1-0, so Long’s goal not only gave LAFC a 2-0 aggregate lead — but it also gave his club control of the away-goals tiebreaker. That meant Inter Miami needed at least three goals from there to advance. It might have seemed unlikely. With Messi, all things are possible. Messi started the rally in the 35th, getting loose near the top of the 18-yard box and scoring with the left foot to tie the match at 1 — giving Inter Miami some hope. Inter Miami took a 2-1 lead in the 61st on a bit of a fluke; Noah Allen chipped a ball into the box, playing it toward Federico Redondo. Lloris came off his line, anticipating Redondo to play the ball — but it bounced off the grass, skipped past them and ended up in the side of the net. The goal was originally credited to Allen, with Messi getting an assist, but was changed later in the evening to Redondo scoring with Allen assisting.