Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin ReportDoha (Qatar): Pakistan and Saudi Arabia played out a 1-1 draw in a thrilling FIFA Women's International Friendly match held in Aspire Academy, Doha, Qatar. The match saw both teams put up a strong fight, with Saudi Arabia taking the lead in the first half before Pakistan responded late to level the score. Saudi Arabia had the upper hand at halftime, leading 1-0. The breakthrough for the Saudi team came in the 39th minute when Talah Alghamdi found the back of the net, giving her side a crucial lead going into the break. However, Pakistan made a spirited comeback in the second half. In the 88th minute, Pakistan's Sohai Herani delivered a stunning equalizer off a well-executed corner kick. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with both teams sharing the spoils after an intense encounter.

ISLAMABAD (Sports Desk): Following the much-anticipated draw that revealed the eight groups that comprise the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, football fans around the world now also know exactly where and when to follow their clubs at FIFA's new global club showpiece which is taking place in the United States from Saturday, 14 June to Sunday, 13 July 2025.FIFA has published the 63-game match schedule with dates and kick-off times for the groundbreaking tournament, revealing a tantalizing set of fixtures for the 32 club teams that will aim to become the first ever champions of world football’s inaugural elite club competition.It has also been decided that the opening match will be a stand-alone fixture, with the host country’s representative, Inter Miami CF, kicking off the new FIFA Club World Cup™ in style at their hometown 65,500-seat Hard Rock Stadium against Al Ahly FC on Saturday, 14 June 2025 at 21:00 local time. MetLife Stadium in New York New Jersey will not only see the new FIFA Club World Cup Trophy lifted on Sunday, 13 July 2025, but will also host the two semi-finals and one of the quarter-finals.FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: “The paths for the 32 teams have been set and we now know at what time and where, among 12 top-class stadiums, we will enjoy the 48 exciting group stage clashes. Together with another 15 matches in the knockout stage, this match schedule sets 63 dates in the diary of every football fan – those living in the US, traveling from abroad to these beautiful cities to support their clubs, or following live and for free from every corner of the world via DAZN and FIFA+.“This match schedule is much more than a list of thrilling fixtures involving the best clubs in the world – it shows that club football can, and will be, truly global. Let’s take it to the world.” 

ISLAMABAD (Sports Desk): FIFA has announced the shortlist of nominees for The Best FIFA Football Awards™ 2024, which will recognise the leading lights in another thrilling year of women’s and men’s football at both club and national-team levels.Voting is now open on FIFA.com across a number of award categories, with fans set to play a key role in choosing the winners. Voting for The Best FIFA Men’s Player, The Best FIFA Women’s Player, The Best FIFA Men’s Coach, The Best FIFA Women’s Coach, The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper and The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper will be equally weighted between fans, the current captains and coaches of all women’s/men’s national teams, and media representatives.The winner of the FIFA Fan Award will be chosen entirely by fans, while the recipient of the FIFA Fair Play Award will be decided by an expert panel. Voting for the new FIFA Marta Award and the FIFA Puskás Award will be split equally between fans and a panel of FIFA Legends.The biggest change in terms of voting for this year’s edition of The Best FIFA Football Awards is that fans will have their say in selecting The Best FIFA Men’s 11 and The Best FIFA Women’s 11. They will be able to choose from a list of 77 nominated players – 22 defenders, midfielders and forwards apiece, plus 11 goalkeepers – slotting them into one of several preset tactical formations to build their team. Votes will be weighted equally between fans and an expert panel.The FIFA Puskás Award has been redefined as being bestowed on the scorer of the best goal in men’s football regardless of championship or nationality. To honour the best goal scored in women’s football in any league around the world, the FIFA Marta Award, named after the Brazilian legend, will be presented for the very first time.The Best FIFA Women’s Player nomineesAitana Bonmatí (Spain), BarcelonaBarbra Banda (Zambia), Shanghai Shengli/Orlando PrideCaroline Graham Hansen (Norway), BarcelonaKeira Walsh (England), BarcelonaKhadija Shaw (Jamaica), Manchester CityLauren Hemp (England), Manchester CityLindsey Horan (USA), Olympique LyonnaisLucy Bronze (England), Barcelona/ChelseaMallory Swanson (USA), Chicago Red StarsMariona Caldentey (Spain), Barcelona/ArsenalNaomi Girma (USA), San Diego WaveOna Batlle (Spain), BarcelonaSalma Paralluelo (Spain), BarcelonaSophia Smith (USA), Portland ThornsTabitha Chawinga (Malawi), Paris Saint-Germain/Olympique LyonnaisTrinity Rodman (USA), Washington SpiritThe Best FIFA Men’s Player nomineesDani Carvajal (Spain), Real MadridErling Haaland (Norway), Manchester CityFederico Valverde (Uruguay), Real MadridFlorian Wirtz (Germany), Bayer LeverkusenJude Bellingham (England), Real MadridKylian Mbappé (France), Paris Saint-Germain/Real MadridLamine Yamal (Spain), BarcelonaLionel Messi (Argentina), Inter MiamiRodri (Spain), Manchester CityToni Kroos (Germany), Real Madrid (now retired)Vinícius Jr (Brazil), Real MadridThe Best FIFA Women’s Coach nomineesArthur Elias (Brazil), BrazilElena Sadiku (Sweden), CelticEmma Hayes (England), Chelsea/USAFutoshi Ikeda (Japan), JapanGareth Taylor (England), Manchester CityJonatan Giráldez (Spain), Barcelona/Washington SpiritSandrine Soubeyrand (France), Paris FCSonia Bompastor (France), Olympique Lyonnais/ChelseaThe Best FIFA Men’s Coach nomineesCarlo Ancelotti (Italy), Real MadridLionel Scaloni (Argentina), ArgentinaLuis de la Fuente (Spain), SpainPep Guardiola (Spain), Manchester CityXabi Alonso (Spain), Bayer LeverkusenThe Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper nomineesAlyssa Naeher (USA), Chicago Red StarsAnn-Katrin Berger (Germany), Chelsea/NJ/NY GothamAyaka Yamashita (Japan), INAC Kobe Leonessa/Manchester CityCata Coll (Spain), BarcelonaMary Earps (England), Manchester United/Paris Saint-GermainThe Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper nomineesAndriy Lunin (Ukraine), Real MadridDavid Raya (Spain), ArsenalEderson (Brazil), Manchester CityEmiliano Martínez (Argentina), Aston VillaGianluigi Donnarumma (Italy), Paris Saint-GermainMike Maignan (France), AC MilanUnai Simón (Spain), Athletic Club.

Riyadh (Saudi Arabia): The Saudi Pro League (SPL) and OneFootball have announced a new partnership aimed at expanding the global visibility of one of the world’s fastest-growing football leagues. Through this collaboration, the SPL will publish and amplify official video and editorial content across OneFootball, bringing fans closer to the action worldwide than ever before.As part of this partnership, OneFootball will feature video content across its platforms, including content from the SPL’s official social channels. Fans can look forward to engaging match clips, highlights, behind-the-scenes footage, and viral moments in vertical and horizontal formats. This initiative aims to enhance the fan experience by providing compelling visual narratives throughout the season.In addition to video content, OneFootball will offer official editorial coverage from the SPL in English, ensuring that fans can access timely updates, in-depth analysis, and expert commentary throughout the season.Omar Mugharbel, CEO of the Saudi Pro League, said: “We are delighted to partner with OneFootball to bring Saudi Pro League content to football fans across the globe. This collaboration is an important step in our commitment to increasing international engagement and providing fans everywhere with a closer connection to the excitement and passion of Saudi football.”Patrick Fischer, CEO at OneFootball, said: “We are thrilled to partner with the Saudi Pro League to showcase the incredible talent and excitement of football in the region. This collaboration will elevate the league’s content and enhance the overall fan experience, bringing the vibrant world of Saudi football to a wider audience.”In a dynamic start to their new collaboration, representatives from OneFootball recently travelled to Saudi Arabia to cover the Saudi Pro League’s highly anticipated 'Derby Week,' attending the 'Sea Derby' in Jeddah between Al Ittihad and Al Ahli, as well as the 'Capital Derby' in Riyadh, featuring Al Nassr versus Al Hilal. OneFootball’s on-ground presence brought fans closer to the action with exclusive social media content, behind-the-scenes moments, and in-depth interviews with league representatives, managers, and players, delivering unparalleled insights into one of the most thrilling weeks in Saudi football and showcasing the exciting potential of this groundbreaking partnership.OneFootball will be a primary outlet for publishing the SPL's official text and video content, leveraging its extensive reach to amplify the league's visibility across global audiences. The strategic collaboration aims to enhance global coverage of the SPL by integrating official content into OneFootball’s ecosystem, enhancing fan engagement and fostering a deeper connection between the league and its supporters (Press Release). 

Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: Haque Academy have won the title of the 3rd Under-16 Girls Inter-School Football Championship, organized by Diya Women’s Football Academy at the KMC Sports Complex Maidaan.The event saw enthusiastic participation from 10 teams representing various schools across Karachi, showcasing remarkable talent and competitive spirit throughout the tournament. The final match between SMB Fatima Red and Haque Academy proved to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams demonstrating exceptional skill and aggressive play. In a nail-biting finish, Haque Academy emerged victorious with a 2-1 to lift the title. Aster School claimed the third place. The Fair Play Trophy was awarded to SMB Black for their exemplary sportsmanship and discipline throughout the competition.In terms of individual performances, Eshal Zain, and Fatima were recognized as the Best Goalkeepers for their outstanding skills. The top goal scorer awards were presented to Harmain Shaukat Javeria Jawad and Best Player Awards were given to Sofia Asif Haque, Romaan, Maryam and Ifrah Khurshid for their excellent all round abilities. They impressed both spectators and coaches with their exceptional game play and leadership on the field.At the closing ceremony, the event organizers, Dr. Saadia Sheikh and Naila Sheikh, distributed trophies to the first four teams and Individual Awards to the best players. The tournament was played in connection with Orange the World " A Future Free From Gender Based Violence"  

LAHORE (PR): The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has announced the completion of its contract with Stephen Constantine, head coach of the Pakistan Men’s Football Team.Appointed by the Haroon Malik-led Pakistan Football Federation Normalisation Committee as Head Coach in September 2023, Stephen Constantine guided Pakistan to a historic achievement with its first-ever victory in the first round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, securing a 1-0 win over Cambodia at Islamabad's Jinnah Stadium.In a heartfelt message, Stephen Constantine said: "I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the PFF for entrusting me with the incredible opportunity to lead the Pakistan National Team through some of its most historic achievements. The unforgettable scenes at Jinnah Sports Stadium on October 17, 2023—when our 1-0 victory over Cambodia secured Pakistan’s first-ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers—will forever be etched in memory. To my staff—every individual on and off the pitch—you were phenomenal. Few will ever truly understand the level of commitment and sacrifice you poured into this journey. Your dedication was invaluable to our mission, and it was an honor to lead alongside you. Thank you for everything you did for me, the team, and the country."In a message to the fans, he said: "To the people of Pakistan—the fans, and everyone who cares deeply about football—it has been a privilege to lead the Shaheens over the past year. Your support from beginning to end has meant everything to us, and I am grateful to each of you. To the players—you achieved something unparalleled for Pakistan Football, and you did it with heart and style. You made history, and you reignited hope for 250 million people who believe in Pakistan Football once more."Chairman NC, Haroon Malik said: “PFF and the football community will forever remember his World Cup qualifier match victory. His invaluable contributions to Pakistani football left an indelible mark in history” 

Islamabad (Sports Desk): Thirty-two qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 26™, 47 for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025, 79 Nations League matches and 17 friendlies were played during the recent international window, making October 2024 a particularly busy month of football and one that has led to a number of changes in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking.The top three teams are also bunching up. Argentina (1st) are still on top, but their lead over France (2nd) and Spain (3rd) has been cut. England (4th), Brazil (5th) and Belgium (6th) have all held on to their positions. Portugal (7th, up 1) and Italy (9th, up 1) are the only climbers within the top ten, which is completed by the Netherlands (8th, down 1) and Colombia (10th, down 1), with Germany (11th, up 2) now knocking on the door.Elsewhere, Algeria (37th, up 4), Peru (38th, up 5) and Greece (42nd, up 6) have all made moves worthy of note, and Cameroon (49th, up 4) have returned to the top 50. Other African teams to have made significant progress in the ranking include Equatorial Guinea (88th, up 6), Zimbabwe (117th, up 7), The Gambia (128th, up 7) and Botswana (140th, up 7), the last of whom, the Zebras, have posted the biggest jump overall in terms of points gained (up 38.30 points).There is further cause for celebration for Africa as two other CAF teams have climbed the most places (ten) in this edition of the ranking, namely Comoros (108th) and Sudan (110th), who came out on top against Tunisia and Ghana, respectively, in their recent home-and-away duels as part of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifiers. 

Sports Bulletin ReportRiyadh (Saudi Arabia): The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) signed a historic new agreement with Unilever’s Rexona to become an official partner of the Saudi Arabia Women’s National Team programme. The new three-year agreement represents the first official partner to the Kingdom’s women’s national programme across all levels, as part of the rapid rise of women’s football in Saudi Arabia.The new agreement sees the Saudi Arabia Women’s National Programme partner with one of women’s football’s biggest supporters, Rexona. As the world’s top deodorant and antiperspirant brand, Rexona and its parent company, Unilever have become a key partner to women’s football across the globe, with key sponsorship roles with FIFA and the Women’s World Cup in recent years.As an extension of Rexona’s international efforts to support the growth of women’s sports, this new chapter is a major milestone for Rexona in becoming an official sponsor for the Saudi Arabian Women’s National Teams, with both partners aiming to break new ground in developing the women’s game nationwide in the Kingdom.Since the launch of the Saudi women’s National Team in 2021, the game has advanced at an exceptional pace, with women’s national teams introduced across various levels and the SAFF Women’s Premier League introduced in 2022 for its first season as a result.This new partnership will support SAFF in continuing to provide opportunities to women and young girls across the Kingdom to participate in the world’s game and advance women’s football in Saudi Arabia.During the official signing ceremony on Sunday, SAFF Head of Women’s Football, Aalia Al Rasheed welcomed Khalil Yassine, Head of Unilever Arabia and Head of Customer Development, to Al Awwal Park in the capital to begin the new multi-year partnership.Aalia AlRasheed, Head of Women's Football Department at SAFF, said: “We are delighted to announce this new partnership for our Women’s National Programme with Rexona and Unilever, a key figure in the global growth of women’s football. We have immense pride of how the women’s game and development of our Saudi Arabia Women’s National Programme has progressed in recent years, and this is the next step in continuing to reach new heights for women’s football and our national team programme in the years to come.”With the continued success of the SAFF Women’s Premier League now in its third season, and the progress of women’s football at grassroots level with over 77,000 female players in the Kingdom’s schools leagues, the new partnership will support in providing new opportunities for girls across Saudi Arabia to get involved in the sport.

Sports Bulletin ReportRiyadh (Saudi Arabia): This evening, Lamia Bahaian, Vice President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), was pleased to welcome Knizat Ibrahim, Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and Said Athouman, President of the Comoros Football Federation, to the match between Al Hilal and Eastern Flames in the first round of the 2024-25 Saudi Women’s Premier League season. Their presence was particularly significant given the participation of over 15 African players from 10 countries currently playing in the Saudi Women’s Premier League. Two African players from Al Hilal, Mavis Owusu from Ghana and Claudia Dabda from Cameroon featured prominently in the match, with Mavis Owusu scoring a hattrick and Claudia Dabda adding another goal to secure a 4-0 victory for Al Hilal. Following the match, Lamia Bahaian, Knizat Ibrahim, and Said Athouman spoke with Mavis Owusu and Claudia Dabda to commend them on their exceptional performances.Knizat Ibrahim and Said Athouman are currently in Riyadh as part of the CAF delegation that attended the 2024 CAF Super Cup final, held yesterday at the Kingdom Arena, where Al Ahly faced Zamalek. Beyond hosting the 2023 and 2024 CAF Super Cups in Saudi Arabia, SAFF and CAF have undertaken numerous initiatives together, including programs focused on coaching, refereeing, and the exchange of expertise, which have added great value to both organizations.Their visit provided an opportunity to discuss the rapid growth of Saudi women’s football and explore strategies for future collaboration to further enhance the development of the women’s game in the region. As long-term partners, both sides agreed to continue strengthening this relationship, with potential initiatives such as the participation of Saudi schools in the upcoming African School Championships and organizing events dedicated to women’s football.The collaboration between SAFF and CAF has already produced tangible outcomes, such as a coaching workshop held last May in Riyadh for 32 Saudi and African female coaches, led by international experts. This initiative facilitated a valuable exchange of football knowledge and has yielded significant results, further strengthening the partnership between the two organizations.Additionally, the partnership between SAFF and CAF has enabled the Saudi Women’s National Teams to play a number of friendly matches, including games against the national teams of Seychelles and Comoros, and the U20 Saudi National Team facing Mauritania. 

Sports Bulletin ReportRiyadh (Saudi Arabia): Following a summer of high anticipation, the third season of the Saudi Women’s Premier League has kicked off on Friday.The 2024-25 season is featuring 10 clubs for the first time, competing in 90 matches across an 18-game week season of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation’s (SAFF) Women’s Premier League, with the league aiming to inspire a new generation of female footballers.In a clash of last year’s top sides, Saudi Women’s Premier League champions Al Nassr opened their title defence at home to SAFF First Division League champions Al-Ula FC on Friday 27 September. The first match of the new season will feature league debuts for Al Nassr’s new head coach, Sandro Mendes as well as former Real Madrid defender Kathellen Sousa.