United News of Bangladesh

FIFA expects that Iran’s national football team will be able to travel to the United States and take part in the upcoming World Cup, despite the ongoing conflict between the two countries. FIFA President ‘Gianni Infantino’ said on Tuesday that he spoke with US President Donald Trump about preparations for the tournament and received assurances that the Iranian team would be allowed to enter the United States to compete. The ‘2026 FIFA World Cup’, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, is set to begin in about three months. Iran is scheduled to play its group matches in the US, starting against New Zealand in Inglewood, California on June 15. The team will then face Belgium on June 21 before concluding its group stage campaign against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. Iranian officials had recently indicated that their participation in the tournament might be uncertain due to the ongoing war. Infantino said he discussed the situation with Trump during a meeting Tuesday night. “We also talked about the current situation in Iran and the fact that the Iranian team has qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026,” he said, adding that Trump confirmed the team would be welcome to take part in the tournament in the United States. Infantino and Trump maintain a close relationship. Trump was previously awarded FIFA’s inaugural peace prize, an honour many observers believe was created with him in mind. However, Iranian fans had already faced restrictions earlier, as they were included in the initial version of a travel ban introduced by the Trump administration. Infantino said global events like the World Cup are important for bringing people together, particularly during times of conflict, and thanked Trump for his support. Earlier this week, FIFA World Cup chief operating officer ‘Heimo Schirgi’ said the tournament is too significant to be postponed because of the global tensions linked to the ongoing US and Israeli war against Iran. Schirgi said FIFA is closely monitoring developments in the conflict but remains confident that the tournament will proceed as planned. “We are taking it day by day and hope there will be a resolution,” he said. “The World Cup is too big, and we hope all teams that have qualified will be able to participate.”

Iraq’s head coach, Graham Arnold, has appealed to FIFA to postpone his team’s intercontinental World Cup playoff due to the disruptions caused by the escalating war in Iran. The Iraqi squad faces major challenges ahead of their winner-takes-all match against either Suriname or Bolivia, set for March 31 in Monterrey, Mexico. With Iraqi airspace closed until April 1, Arnold’s team — mostly made up of domestic league players cannot fully assemble. Many players are also unable to secure visas for Mexico because of embassy closures, while Arnold himself is stuck in the United Arab Emirates amid the conflict. “Please help us with this game because right now we are struggling to get our players out of Iraq,” Arnold, a former Australian national team coach, told the Australian Associated Press. The turmoil has already forced the cancellation of a planned training camp in Houston. Arnold said relying only on overseas-based players is not a viable solution. “It wouldn’t be our best team, and we need our best squad for the country’s biggest game in 40 years,” he said. Arnold has suggested a strategic delay: let Suriname and Bolivia play their preliminary match this month, but postpone Iraq’s final playoff until a week before the World Cup starts. “This would give us time to prepare properly and allow FIFA to see how the situation with Iran develops,” he said. “If Iran withdraws, we go to the World Cup, and it also gives the UAE, who we beat in qualifying, time to prepare for either Bolivia or Suriname.” Iraq Football Association president Adnan Dirjal is reportedly working tirelessly to make the World Cup dream a reality, and Arnold stressed that a quick decision from FIFA is crucial.

The entire executive committee of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) resigned on Wednesday following a controversy over the naturalisation of seven foreign-born players that resulted in FIFA sanctions, a legal appeal and heightened scrutiny of football governance in the country. All members of the committee, who were elected 11 months ago for the 2025–2029 term, stepped down with immediate effect. The association said the decision was unanimous and voluntary, taken to safeguard FAM’s credibility. The collective resignation came after FIFA, in September last year, imposed a fine of around $450,000 on FAM and handed one-year suspensions to the seven players after concluding that falsified documents had been submitted to support their naturalisation. The players Facundo Garcés, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, João Figueiredo, Gabriel Palmero, Jon Irazabal and Héctor Hevel were also fined individually. The players, who hail from Argentina, Brazil, the Netherlands and Spain, had represented Malaysia in international matches, including a qualifying game for the 2027 Asian Cup in which Malaysia defeated Vietnam. Read More: Mbappé brace lifts Real Madrid to La Liga top with 2-0 win at Villarreal Malaysian officials had said the seven players met FIFA eligibility rules through Malaysian-born grandparents but FIFA said investigators obtained original documents from the players’ home countries that disputed those claims. In a statement on Wednesday, FAM said the executive committee, elected for a four-year 2025–2029 term, resigned after 11 months to place the interests of Malaysian football above office-holding. The move aimed to protect the association’s reputation and limit further repercussions, while allowing FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation to review governance and procedures without conflicts of interest. FAM said the decision was meant to restore confidence among stakeholders. Acting president Mohamad Yusoff Mahadi said secretary-general Noor Azman Rahman will oversee daily operations. FIFA’s ban on the players has been temporarily suspended pending an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The glittering FIFA World Cup trophy arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday morning as part of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour. The trophy, accompanied by Brazilian 2002 FIFA World Cup winner and FIFA ambassador Gilberto da Silva, landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 10:00 am. Tabith Mohammed Awal, president of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), received the trophy at the airport. It was then transported to Hotel Radisson Blu, where it will be displayed in the afternoon, allowing selected fans and invited guests to view the iconic trophy. The FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour was jointly launched by FIFA and its beverage partner Coca-Cola on January 3 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with Italian football legend Alessandro Del Piero unveiling the trophy. The tour will end on June 11 at the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup in Mexico, after visiting 30 FIFA member associations across 75 stops over more than 150 days, giving fans worldwide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see football’s most coveted prize. FIFA reportedly weighing plan for 64-nation World Cup in 2030 The trophy has previously visited Bangladesh during the Russia and Qatar World Cups.

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has suspended 1,024 players from its professional leagues as part of a widening betting scandal. The TFF said the players—who were identified as having bet on football, including 27 from Turkey's top flight—have been referred to the country’s Professional Football Disciplinary Board (PFDK). Following the move, matches in the third and fourth divisions of Turkish football have been postponed for two weeks, although games in the top two divisions will continue as scheduled as per the TFF statement. The Turkish federation has also requested world governing body FIFA for an additional 15 days on top of the winter transfer window to help clubs manage potential squad shortages. Turkish national team defender Seyed Emirhan Elmalı and his Galatasaray teammate Metehan Baltacı are among the 1,024 players named on the list published by the federation on Monday and referred to the disciplinary commission. Elmalı issued a statement late Monday explaining his involvement in the case after being withdrawn from the Turkey squad preparing for World Cup qualifying matches against Spain and Bulgaria. Besiktas, one of Turkey’s biggest clubs, also issued a statement saying two of their players had been referred to the PFDK, adding that the club had “full faith” in the pair’s innocence. Local media reported that eight people, including a club chairman, have been taken into custody by Turkish authorities as part of the investigation. The scandal first grabbed headlines on October 27, when TFF president İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu stated at a news conference that hundreds of referees had links to betting accounts. He claimed that of the 571 referees active in Turkey’s professional leagues, 371 had betting accounts and 152 were actively placing bets, including seven who are authorized to officiate top-flight matches and 15 top-tier assistant referees. “Our duty is to elevate Turkish football to its rightful place and to purge it of all its filth,” Hacıosmanoğlu said. Turkish football has enjoyed a strong resurgence in recent years. The country will co-host the men’s UEFA Euro 2032 with Italy, the national team reached the Euro 2024 quarterfinals, and Istanbul has been selected by UEFA to stage several European club finals.

-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.”

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 significantly slashed standard ticket prices for the semifinal clash between Chelsea and Fluminense at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, reducing them from $473.90 to just $13.40. The decision comes as part of FIFA's dynamic pricing strategy for the ongoing 63-match tournament. In contrast, tickets for Wednesday's other semifinal in New Jersey, featuring European champions Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, start at $199.60. EU congratulates Bangladesh Women's Football team on Asian Cup qualification Earlier, FIFA had also cut ticket prices to as low as $11.15 for quarterfinal matches — one held in Orlando, Florida, between Fluminense and Al Hilal, and another in Philadelphia featuring Chelsea and Palmeiras. The steep price reductions, first reported by The Athletic, come amid concerns over low attendance at many tournament fixtures. Real Madrid has been the notable exception, attracting crowds of over 60,000 for each of its five games, including a record turnout of 76,611 during Saturday’s quarterfinal victory over Borussia Dortmund in New Jersey.

FIFA paid tribute to Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva before the Club World Cup quarterfinal games in the United States on Friday, following their tragic deaths in a car crash in Spain. The bodies of 28-year-old Jota and 25-year-old Silva were found near Zamora in northwestern Spain after the Lamborghini they were driving crashed and burst into flames on an isolated stretch of highway shortly after midnight on Thursday. At Camping World Stadium in Orlando, ahead of the match between Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal and Brazil’s Fluminense, players from both teams formed a circle at midfield as the video board displayed a photo of the Portuguese brothers. Spectators observed a moment of silence to honor them. A similar tribute took place at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, where Brazil's Palmeiras faced England’s Chelsea. A black-and-white photo of Jota and Silva was displayed on the stadium screen as players from both teams wore black armbands in remembrance. Diogo Jota and brother killed in Spain crash, Portugal prepares for funeral Chelsea player Pedro Neto, a Portugal national teammate and friend of Diogo Jota, made the sign of the cross as he walked onto the pitch with a jersey draped over his shoulder bearing the first names of Jota and André Silva. During the moment of silence, Neto held up the jersey with the help of teammate Enzo Fernández. Spanish police said the cause of the accident is under investigation, though no other vehicles were involved. Authorities suspect a blown tire may have caused the crash. The tragedy comes just two weeks after Jota married his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, while on vacation following Liverpool’s Premier League-winning season. The couple had three children, the youngest born last year. Silva played for Portuguese club Penafiel, which competes in the country’s lower football divisions.

FIFA has launched a disciplinary investigation at the Club World Cup after Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger accused Pachuca captain Gustavo Cabral of racially abusing him during their recent match. The incident took place in the closing minutes of Madrid’s 3-1 victory over Pachuca on Sunday in Charlotte, North Carolina. Rüdiger, who is Black, reported the alleged abuse to Brazilian referee Ramon Abatti, prompting the official to initiate FIFA’s anti-discrimination protocol by making the approved signal — raising his arms in an ‘X’ above his head. Ronaldo's Saudi club Al Nassr now without coach as Pioli leaves On Tuesday night, FIFA confirmed that formal disciplinary proceedings have been opened against Cabral. “Following a review of the match reports, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has initiated proceedings against Pachuca player Gustavo Cabral regarding the incident involving Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger,” FIFA stated. A decision is expected before Pachuca’s final Group H fixture against Al Hilal, scheduled for Thursday in Nashville. Regardless of the outcome, Pachuca will not progress beyond the group stage, as the Mexican side cannot finish higher than third place. Cabral, 39, has denied the accusation of racism, stating that he used language considered a common insult in Argentina.