United News of Bangladesh

Ireland players wore black armbands and bowed their heads during Israel's national anthem to protest Israel's actions in Gaza before the two teams drew 1-1 in a tense Nations League soccer match on Sunday. Israeli players also wore black armbands to remember those killed in the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. Israel captain Dor Peretz had “7.10” written on his armband. Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher, who captained the team in place of Dara O'Shea, avoided shaking hands with Peretz before the match. O'Shea was excused from the squad to be with his wife for the birth of their child. Kelleher followed the example of O'Shea, who had avoided shaking hands with Israel captain Manor Solomon before Ireland's 3-0 victory in their first meeting in Debrecen, Hungary, last week. Ireland scored all three goals in the first half of that match. Solomon was named among the substitutes for Sunday's game in Backa Topola, Serbia. Israel forward Sayed Abu Farchi returned to the squad after serving a suspension for his red card following a goal celebration during a 3-1 defeat to Austria on September 25, but did not feature in the match. Irish forward Finn Azaz, whose mother has Israeli heritage, also remained among the substitutes. Troy Parrott put Ireland ahead from the penalty spot in the 39th minute after Peretz fouled Jimmy Dunne. Tensions rose on the touchline as players headed into the dressing rooms at half-time. Peretz raised the back of his jersey above his neck before the second half, apparently highlighting the Israeli flag on it. He then equalised from close range just two minutes after the restart. Israel came close to taking the lead in the second half, with substitute Omri Gandelman and Oscar Gloukh both hitting the right post. Spanish referee Juan Martínez Munuera had to remain alert as tensions flared following several strong challenges. The match was originally scheduled to take place in Dublin, but the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) moved it to a neutral venue in June for “operational reasons” following widespread calls to boycott the fixture. The FAI also announced that the match would be played without spectators. The decision followed an FAI motion in November last year calling on UEFA to ban Israel from club and international competitions. Pressure on Irish players Irish players faced growing pressure at home to boycott the two matches against Israel, reflecting strong public support for Palestinians. The pressure was particularly intense ahead of the first match. “I felt that pressure growing day by day and it's getting almost to a breaking limit now,” Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said before the first game. Ultimately, only reserve goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from both matches. In a statement, he said it was his “personal belief that the killing of innocent people is wrong.” More than 160 Irish sportspeople signed an open letter urging the FAI to reconsider its decision to play the two fixtures. Before the team travelled to Hungary, protesters gathered outside their Dublin hotel, urging the players to boycott the matches. The SIPTU trade union also displayed a large poster beside the River Liffey in central Dublin, calling on the players to “Go with your conscience!” and “Don't play with genocide,” alongside an image of a blood-splattered football. Former Ireland coach Brian Kerr said the FAI had “lost the respect of the Irish people” by proceeding with the matches. However, the FAI resisted the calls, arguing that Ireland could face severe sanctions from UEFA if the team refused to play. Ireland is scheduled to co-host the 2028 European Championship with England, Wales and Scotland. Tense build-up to match The fixtures have been preceded by several protests and confrontations. During Ireland's 2-2 draw with Austria on Thursday, protesters threw tennis balls bearing Palestinian flags onto the pitch. A man carrying a Palestinian flag later attempted to run onto the field. Tensions also surfaced at Saturday's pre-match news conference when an Israeli journalist alleged that Irish players had called Israeli players “monkeys” during the first match. Ireland's communications officer, Kieran Crowley, immediately rejected the allegation as “a lie” and ended the news conference. The Irish players had agreed to proceed with the fixtures only after lengthy discussions in Debrecen before the first match. Both a news conference and a training session were delayed for hours as the squad considered its options. Reports said the players voted 14-8 in favour of playing after Bazunu withdrew that morning. Ireland's national broadcaster RTÉ provided limited coverage of both matches to fulfil its contractual obligations. It omitted studio presentations, commentary on the international feed and post-match analysis. The broadcaster also said it would not accept advertising or sponsorship associated with either game. RTÉ recently announced that Ireland would boycott the Eurovision Song Contest for a second consecutive year because of Israel's participation.

Spain forward Lamine Yamal continued his remarkable run of early goals in the Nations League, scoring in the sixth minute as Spain defeated Czechia 3-1 at home on Saturday. The 19-year-old produced another trademark finish, cutting in from the right before curling a powerful left-footed shot into the top-left corner, leaving Czech goalkeeper Antonín Kinský with no chance. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente reacted with a mixture of admiration and disbelief as Yamal celebrated near the corner flag, where midfielder Pedri joined him for a hug. Yamal's latest goal came after he scored in the second minute against Croatia in Spain's 4-1 victory on Tuesday and in the second minute of their 3-2 away win over England on Sept. 26. He nearly doubled his tally in the 12th minute after controlling a high ball in his stride and attempting a 20-metre lob that narrowly missed the target. The Ballon d'Or contender has also been in excellent form for La Liga champions Barcelona this season. Rodri and substitute Mikel Merino were also on target for Spain, who extended their unbeaten run to 40 matches. The victory was Spain's third in the Nations League and kept them three points ahead of England at the top of their Nations League A group.

The Football Association said Friday that a ruling against Manchester City over major financial violations has significant implications for the integrity of soccer and that it is reviewing the decision. An independent commission found Manchester City guilty of artificially inflating its revenue by more than $1 billion over nearly a decade through what the Premier League described as “sham” sponsorship agreements linked to the club’s ownership. The commission found City guilty of all charges involving serious breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules between 2009 and 2018. It also found the club guilty of most of the charges related to its failure to cooperate with the investigation. The FA, the governing body of English soccer, issued its first response to the biggest disciplinary case in Premier League history. “The independent commission's decision has significant implications for the integrity of the game,” the FA said. “We are carefully considering the decision and its implications and will take action where appropriate.” The FA said it would “continue to monitor developments closely” but would not make further comments while the proceedings remain ongoing. Manchester City has said it will appeal the ruling, which was published Tuesday. The deadline for filing the appeal is Friday. The club’s potential punishment will be considered separately in a confidential hearing before the independent commission. Possible sanctions include a fine, points deduction or even expulsion from the Premier League.

Jürgen Klopp secured his first victory as Germany coach, while Portugal advanced with a convincing win over Denmark without veteran forward Cristiano Ronaldo in the Nations League on Thursday. Florian Wirtz scored as Germany beat Serbia 2-0 in Munich, giving Klopp his first victory in his third match in charge and avoiding an unwanted record. The 59-year-old had opened his tenure with a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands before Germany suffered a surprise 1-0 loss to Greece on Sunday. Germany produced a disciplined and energetic performance against Serbia, reflecting the high-intensity style Klopp wants to establish. “That's going in my archive. We'll make a video out of it now,” Klopp said. “That's how we want to play.” Germany created several chances before Tom Bischof opened the scoring in the 39th minute, finishing the rebound after Wirtz's effort struck the post. Klopp introduced Said El Mala after halftime for his Germany debut. Goalkeeper Jonas Urbig and Freiburg forward Derry Scherhant also made their international debuts. Wirtz doubled Germany's lead after receiving Maximilian Mittelstädt's cross. He controlled the ball past a defender with his first touch before finding the inside of the right post with his second. “It was important to win again, just for the spirit in the team, and to send a signal out that we're good football players and also a good football nation,” Wirtz said. Netherlands held by GreeceTijjani Reijnders scored in the 89th minute as the Netherlands came from behind to draw 2-2 with Greece in Thessaloniki in the other Group A2 match. Fotis Ioannidis scored one goal and assisted on the other for Greece, while Virgil van Dijk scored before Reijnders rescued a point for the Netherlands. The Dutch side had also needed a late equalizer in its previous match against Germany. Greece remained top of Group A2 after recording away wins over Serbia and Germany. Portugal wins without RonaldoPortugal defeated Denmark 4-2 in Copenhagen as João Félix sealed the victory late, with Ronaldo absent from the squad. Ronaldo left the team a day earlier following an apparent dispute with coach Jorge Jesus, raising questions over his future with the national side. Gonçalo Ramos, who replaced the 41-year-old forward, assisted João Cancelo for Portugal's opening goal before scoring the team's second two minutes after Mikkel Damsgaard equalized in the 23rd minute. Rasmus Højlund leveled again in the 53rd, but Vitinha restored Portugal's advantage with a near-post header from Bruno Fernandes' free kick in the 67th. Félix completed the scoring in the 87th minute. Wales beats NorwayWales defeated 10-man Norway 2-1 for its first Group A4 victory, with Erling Haaland failing to score. Haaland failed to find the net for only the second time in his last 18 competitive international appearances. He has scored 65 goals in 58 matches for Norway. Oscar Bobb put Norway ahead in Cardiff, but Daniel James equalized before halftime. Norway defender Torbjørn Heggem was later sent off for fouling James, and Neco Williams scored the winner from the resulting free kick. Protest disrupts Ireland-Austria matchProtesters calling for Ireland to boycott its upcoming match against Israel on Sunday interrupted Ireland's game against Austria by throwing tennis balls carrying Palestinian flags onto the field during the first half. A man carrying a Palestinian flag also attempted to enter the pitch before stewards stopped him. Troy Parrott scored twice, including a fine solo effort, but Austria fought back through Alexander Prass and Michael Gregoritsch in the second half. In the other Group B3 match, Israel and Kosovo played out a 0-0 draw. Elsewhere, Liechtenstein held Azerbaijan to a 0-0 draw in Group D2.

Switzerland's soccer federation withdrew its support for Gianni Infantino's campaign for another term as FIFA president on Wednesday, citing concerns over the credibility and governance of world soccer's governing body. The Swiss federation said greater transparency, accountability and effective governing bodies were needed to maintain trust in international soccer and FIFA. It said those conditions had no longer been met since June, when it initially backed Infantino. UEFA has also been pushing for a change in FIFA leadership, either before or during next year's presidential election. The European governing body has raised concerns over Infantino's proposal to sell stakes in World Cup commercial rights to private investors. The Swiss federation also referred to concerns over the integrity of competitions. It pointed to pressure from US President Donald Trump over a proposed one-match suspension for Switzerland-born US forward Folarin Balogun, which would have kept him out of a round-of-16 World Cup match against Belgium earlier this year. Infantino had appeared set to secure a fourth and final term through 2031 without opposition. However, his plan to establish a secretive commercial subsidiary was reported by the media on July 28 and was abandoned within days following widespread criticism. UEFA is scheduled to meet its 55 member associations in Berlin next week to discuss finding a candidate to challenge Infantino before the Nov. 18 deadline for nominations. The FIFA presidential election will be held March 18 in Rabat, Morocco, with delegates from all 211 FIFA member associations eligible to vote.

Khaldoon Al Mubarak, chairman of Manchester City, has long played a prominent role in the United Arab Emirates, working with world leaders including US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron. Earlier this year, Al Mubarak sat with Trump in Davos and signed the UAE government's agreement to join the US president's Board of Peace. In June, he attended a signing ceremony with Macron at the Palace of Versailles for a business summit. The 50-year-old is also a UAE special envoy to China. He welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to Manchester City when Xi visited England in 2015. Al Mubarak's involvement in international affairs reflects his position within Abu Dhabi's ruling elite. He is the head of the $385 billion Mubadala sovereign wealth fund and serves in several other government and business roles. He advises UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and sits on the boards of Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. He also helped develop ties between Abu Dhabi and Formula One before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix joined the F1 calendar. When Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, now a UAE deputy prime minister, bought Manchester City in 2008, Al Mubarak was appointed chairman. Under his leadership, the club transformed from a long-time underachiever into one of Europe's most successful teams. However, an independent Premier League panel has now found that the club broke financial rules during that period. The Premier League said Tuesday that City, which has dominated English soccer over the past 15 seasons, systematically violated financial regulations. The panel said the club used “sham” commercial agreements to conceal more than 830 million pounds ($1.1 billion) in funding from its Abu Dhabi owners between 2009 and 2018. The panel also said some club witnesses gave evidence they knew was untrue. The funds helped finance expensive player transfers and wages, contributing to City's rise as a major European club. Its success brought more prize money, strengthened its global brand and helped attract leading players, including current star striker Erling Haaland. City can appeal the verdict. Reports about the ruling emerged Friday in The Athletic, prompting a response from Al Mubarak the following day. He said the legal process was not over and that the club remained confident it could prove its innocence. “The Premier League process still has a long way to run, and our confidence and intent in proving the Club's innocence is just as strong as when this began,” he said. In a rare 2009 interview with The Guardian, Al Mubarak described Manchester City as a representation of Abu Dhabi's values, including loyalty, commitment, discipline, long-term thinking and respect for history. He is also chairman of City Football Group, which owns a global network of 12 clubs, including New York City FC. An economics graduate of Tufts University near Boston, Al Mubarak has held several senior government positions in addition to leading Mubadala. His family has also experienced tragedy in public service. His father, Khalifa Al Mubarak, was a UAE diplomat and ambassador to France. He was assassinated in Paris in February 1984 when Khaldoon was 8. The killing was linked to the Abu Nidal Organization, a militant group that opposed Israel. Gulf media have reported that the UAE's royal family supported and mentored the young Al Mubarak after his father's death. A street in Abu Dhabi was renamed after his father in 2018. Al Mubarak's role at Manchester City also came under scrutiny as UEFA and the Premier League investigated the club's finances. Both major cases were linked to internal club emails and documents obtained by a hacker and whistleblower and later published by German magazine Der Spiegel in 2018. UEFA had investigated City in 2014 and 2020. In the 2020 case, the club successfully appealed a two-year Champions League ban. The leaked documents also highlighted Al Mubarak's determination to fight regulatory action. In 2014, as UEFA discussed a possible settlement over a rules violation, City lawyer Simon Cliff wrote in an email that Al Mubarak was prepared to spend 30 million pounds on top lawyers and pursue legal action for years.

Pep Guardiola has reaffirmed his support for Manchester City after the club was found guilty of dozens of financial violations committed during his time as manager. Guardiola, who has managed City since 2016, said he would continue to stand by the club following the publication of a report by an independent panel on Tuesday. “I want every single Man City fan to know I am here; more than ever,” Guardiola wrote on social media Wednesday. “I am, always have been, always will be, behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran, the players, staff, Enzo and you, our unique supporters.” “Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all,” he added in a post on X. Guardiola's message was accompanied by photos showing him wearing a Manchester City shirt and celebrating with club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, lifting the Champions League trophy, applauding supporters and celebrating the club's 2023 Premier League title. During Guardiola's 10-year tenure, City won six Premier League titles, the 2023 Champions League and three FA Cups, among other trophies. The club's alleged financial violations, which included what the league described as “sham” commercial deals, were valued at more than 900 million pounds ($1.19 billion).

Manchester City is facing one of the biggest controversies in English soccer after the Premier League ruled that the club breached almost all of the 115 financial charges brought against it. The league announced the verdict Tuesday after a yearslong investigation into whether City’s Abu Dhabi ownership broke financial rules to help turn the club into one of the world’s most successful teams. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters called the case and verdict “the most significant in Premier League history.” The club could face serious penalties, including a points deduction or even expulsion from the Premier League. The sanctions have yet to be decided. Here is a look at the case: How the case beganThe Premier League brought 80 charges against City in February 2023, covering the period from 2009 to 2018, the first nine seasons after the club came under Abu Dhabi ownership. The league accused City of providing inaccurate financial information, overstating sponsorship income from Abu Dhabi and failing to disclose payments made to managers and players. It also accused the club of breaching Premier League and UEFA financial regulations designed to prevent clubs from spending beyond their means. Another 35 charges related to City’s alleged failure to cooperate with the Premier League investigation from December 2018. The case was linked to internal emails published by German outlet Der Spiegel. The material, obtained through the Football Leaks website, allegedly showed attempts to hide the true sources of some of City’s income. What the commission foundThe independent commission ruled that City committed all of the financial breaches relating to 2009-18 and most of the charges involving its failure to cooperate. The findings said City used what the commission called “sham” contracts with commercial partners to hide more than £830 million ($1.1 billion) in funding from its Abu Dhabi owners. The commission also said some witnesses who gave evidence on City’s behalf provided information they knew was untrue. It concluded that the club intended to avoid Premier League rules. City rejects the findingsCity has consistently denied wrongdoing. The club did not challenge the authenticity of the emails published by Der Spiegel but said they were material taken out of context after being hacked or stolen from City Football Group. It described the publication of the material as an attempt to damage its reputation. After the charges were announced in 2023, City said it welcomed an independent investigation and believed there was comprehensive evidence supporting its position. City chief executive Ferran Soriano again rejected the allegations in an internal message to staff, saying the Premier League’s case was based on a false claim that the owners secretly transferred their own money into the club through Abu Dhabi sponsors. In a statement, City called the commission’s findings an “opinion” containing serious errors of law, principle and fact. The club said it would appeal and continue efforts to clear its name. What penalties could City face?The Premier League said punishment will be considered separately by the same independent commission at a confidential hearing. The timing has not been announced. City must first submit its appeal by Friday. Under Premier League rules, possible penalties include a fine, points deduction or expulsion from the league. Everton received a 10-point deduction in 2023 for breaching financial rules during a three-year period. The punishment was later reduced to six points. City faces a much broader set of allegations, including the charge of failing to cooperate with the investigation. City’s appeal would be heard by a three-member Appeal Panel. Sky Sports has reported that the club could also take the case to the High Court in London if it believes the process was unfair or lacked impartiality. City has faced UEFA punishment beforeUEFA previously accused City of overstating sponsorship income to comply with its Financial Fair Play rules, based on the same documents published by Der Spiegel. In 2020, UEFA found the club guilty of serious breaches between 2012 and 2016 and imposed a two-year ban from European competitions. The Court of Arbitration for Sport overturned the ban, ruling that some allegations had not been proven and others were time-barred. It instead fined City 10 million euros ($11.3 million) for failing to cooperate with investigators. Possible impact on City and Abu DhabiThe case could have financial consequences beyond any punishment imposed on City. Several rival clubs have reportedly been considering compensation claims, arguing that they suffered because of City’s alleged rule breaches. A recent precedent involved Everton, which was ordered to pay Burnley more than £35 million ($47 million) after Burnley argued that it would have avoided relegation in the 2021-22 season if Everton had received its financial penalty at the time. It remains unclear whether City could be stripped of its Premier League titles. The league’s rules allow the commission to make “such other order as it thinks fit,” potentially leaving that option open. Relegation could also lead to major changes to City’s squad, which includes stars such as Erling Haaland. The findings could also affect the reputation of Abu Dhabi, whose investment in Manchester City has been described by some commentators as part of a broader effort to increase its influence through sports. Former City manager Pep Guardiola, who guided the club to many of its titles, said in 2023 that he would leave if the club’s owners lied to him. “I will be out and you will not be my friend anymore,” Guardiola said.

Tim Ream, the longtime captain and defender of the U.S. men’s national soccer team, has announced his retirement from international football. Ream had previously told head coach Mauricio Pochettino that he did not intend to retire from national team duty, but said the team’s evolution and the changing nature of the game had led him to reconsider. “The kids are getting younger and younger, and I don’t mean my own kids,” Ream said Tuesday before the United States played Chile in a friendly in his hometown. “It is retirement. We’ve used the word recognition. We weren’t really sure how we wanted to label it, but, yeah, that’s it for me. I’m proud of being a part of something for 16 years, but it is time to step away and stay away from play with the national team.” The 38-year-old Ream earned 86 international appearances after making his U.S. debut in a friendly against South Africa on Nov. 17, 2010. Only DaMarcus Beasley has made more appearances for the United States than Ream’s 60 caps after turning 30. Ream wore the captain’s armband in 26 matches, including four games at this year’s World Cup. “It’s an honor, there’s not really any other way to put it,” Ream said. He said one of his main goals after becoming captain more regularly was to help prepare the next generation of leaders. “The biggest thing that I wanted to do as I started to get the captain’s armband more and more is, ‘How can I help these guys become the next captain? How can I help this group continue to develop and be more special than they are.’” Ream said the future of the U.S. team looks promising, pointing to a young generation of players including 17-year-old Cavan Sullivan. He said the emerging group reminded him of the period when current U.S. players Gio Reyna, Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie were breaking into the national team. “The thing that stands out to me with them is the same thing that stood out when the Westons, the Tylers, the Gios, these guys stepped in to the national team,” Ream said. “They have a ridiculous amount of confidence, and it’s refreshing. It borderlines being cocky, but I think you have to have that little bit of swagger. You have to have that belief in yourself. They’re still learning.” Ream said he will continue playing for Major League Soccer club Charlotte FC, although he has yet to decide what he will do with his MLS career beyond that.

Roberto Mancini's Italy produced a commanding performance in his second game in charge, defeating Turkey 4-1 in the Nations League on Monday, while Michael Olise scored late to give France a 1-0 victory over Belgium. Italy's emphatic win was a major improvement from Friday's 2-0 home defeat to Belgium, when the Azzurri struggled to impose themselves. The result also came six months after Italy failed to qualify for a third successive World Cup. Their next challenge will be significantly tougher as they travel to face France on Friday. France, meanwhile, secured its second victory under new coach Zinedine Zidane despite being without injured Kylian Mbappe. Kayode makes impressive Italy debutBrentford defender Michael Kayode marked his Italy debut by scoring once and assisting another goal as the visitors quickly took control. Italy went ahead in the ninth minute after Turkey's Zeki Celik failed to clear a corner properly, allowing Alessandro Bastoni to fire the loose ball into the roof of the net. Davide Frattesi doubled the advantage in the 22nd minute, finishing from close range after Turkey goalkeeper Altay Bayindir had parried Kayode's effort following a well-constructed team move. Kayode then added Italy's third five minutes later, finishing into the bottom-right corner after being played through by Pio Esposito. It was Italy's first three-goal opening half-hour in a competitive match in five years. Turkey reduced the deficit shortly after halftime when Baris Alper Yilmaz capitalized on a lapse in Italy's defense. However, Esposito restored Italy's three-goal cushion three minutes later, heading in the rebound after Sandro Tonali's curling effort struck the post. Pio Esposito's older brother Sebastiano also started the match, making it the first time since 1915 that two brothers had been named in Italy's starting lineup. Olise delivers late for FranceFrance controlled much of its match against Belgium and struck the woodwork twice before Olise finally found the breakthrough two minutes from full time. Mbappe missed the game after suffering a left-knee injury in Friday's 1-0 victory over Turkey, in which he scored his record-extending 67th international goal. Zidane made nine changes to his starting XI and handed international debuts to Jeremy Jacquet, Andy Diouf and Lucas Da Cunha. Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens kept his side in the contest with several important saves. Desire Doue hit the crossbar in the 12th minute, while Da Cunha's powerful effort from 25 yards struck the post. France eventually found the winner in the 88th minute when Olise collected the ball inside his own half, raced down the right flank, cut inside and fired a low shot into the bottom-left corner.