Aston Villa Brings Europa League Magic to Thailand: Epic Clash Against BG Pathum United

OSLO: A 15-year-old Pakistani footballer has gone missing after reportedly leaving the Better Future Pakistan camp in Norway without informing team officials, prompting an immediate police search during the team’s stay in Oslo. According to a statement issued by Better Future Pakistan, the young player departed the camp on his own without seeking permission from the management. The organization said his whereabouts remain unknown despite ongoing efforts to locate him. Officials stressed that preliminary findings suggest the footballer left the camp voluntarily, with no evidence so far indicating foul play, kidnapping or coercion. They urged the public to avoid speculation while authorities continue their investigation. The camp management said police were notified within 20 minutes of the player last being seen. Norwegian authorities responded promptly, launching search operations and initiating the necessary legal procedures to trace the missing teenager. Better Future Pakistan stated that it is maintaining close contact with local law enforcement agencies and is fully cooperating with the investigation. The organization also said it is providing updates to the player’s family and relevant Pakistani authorities as new information becomes available. The incident occurred after the conclusion of the Norway Cup, one of the world’s largest international youth football tournaments, which was held in Oslo from July 25 to August 1. Better Future Pakistan had sent a group of young footballers to participate in the event as part of its youth development program. While the missing player’s disappearance has raised concern, officials confirmed that all other members of the Pakistani contingent have safely returned home following the completion of the tournament. The case has drawn attention in Pakistan’s sporting community, coming shortly after other reports involving Pakistani athletes going missing during overseas tours. However, Better Future Pakistan emphasized that each case is unique and cautioned against drawing premature conclusions. Authorities in Norway continue their search, while the football community hopes the teenager is found safe and reunited with his family as soon as possible. Both police and team officials have appealed for anyone with credible information about the player’s whereabouts to contact the relevant authorities immediately.

ZURICH: A major controversy has emerged within FIFA after senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned in protest over a proposal to sell a stake in the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup, warning that the move could damage the long-term future of global football. According to international media reports, Cordeiro stepped down from his role as senior adviser to FIFA President Gianni Infantino after voicing strong opposition to the plan. He described the proposal as being against the interests of football and FIFA’s 211 member associations. The controversial proposal involves the creation of a new subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise, reportedly valued at around $20 billion. Under the plan, the company would manage the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup and other major tournaments, with up to 20% of its shares potentially being sold to outside investors. Cordeiro stressed that he had no role in developing the proposal and made it clear that he strongly opposed it. He argued that FIFA is already in a strong financial position, holding billions of dollars in reserves and carrying no debt. He questioned the logic of selling a permanent stake in one of football’s most valuable assets for an estimated $4.2 billion, saying such a decision could have lasting consequences for the sport. The proposal is expected to be reviewed by FIFA’s 211 member associations, which have until September 19 to decide whether to support the plan. Cordeiro also warned that introducing external investors into the commercial structure of the World Cup could weaken FIFA’s long-term control over its flagship tournament and create challenges for future generations of the game. The resignation has intensified debate over the future management of football’s biggest global event, with critics urging FIFA to protect the World Cup’s commercial independence while supporters argue that new investment could unlock fresh opportunities for the sport. The outcome of the upcoming vote is expected to shape the future financial direction of world football.

Pakistani boxer Qudratullah Khan has reportedly gone missing in Glasgow after representing the country at the Commonwealth Games, raising fresh concerns for sports authorities ahead of upcoming international events. The Quetta-born boxer, who competed as part of Pakistan’s national boxing squad, did not return with the team after the conclusion of the tournament. The squad was scheduled to travel back to Pakistan on Sunday, but Qudratullah was missing when the team prepared for departure. Officials familiar with the matter said the boxer could not be located in his hotel room before the team’s departure. However, his luggage and personal belongings were reportedly found inside the room, leaving team officials uncertain about his whereabouts. Pakistan Boxing Federation officials confirmed that the athlete failed to return with the national contingent. They said the boxer had been selected solely on merit due to his performances and described the incident as unfortunate. Officials added that the matter would now be handled by the department the boxer represents. The incident has created an unexpected challenge for the team management and has once again drawn attention to the recurring issue of Pakistani athletes going missing during international sporting events. This is not the first such case involving Pakistani athletes. In recent years, several sportsmen disappeared while competing abroad. During the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, boxers Suleman Baloch and Nazirullah Khan also went missing after the competition. Earlier that year, swimmer Faizan Akbar disappeared in Hungary before the FINA World Championships. In 2024, boxer Zohaib Rasheed left his team hotel in Italy before an Olympic qualifying event. He later stated that financial difficulties had influenced his decision. The latest disappearance is expected to increase concerns among sports authorities regarding athlete management and monitoring during overseas tours. Pakistan is preparing to send another sporting contingent to Japan next month for the Asian Games, and officials are likely to review existing protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Pakistan’s tennis stars have delivered a memorable performance at the ITF Masters World Championships in Lisbon, Portugal, winning an impressive four medals and adding another chapter to the country’s international tennis story. The biggest highlight came from veteran tennis star Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, who successfully defended his world title in the 40+ mixed doubles category. Partnering Austria’s Nina Hermann, Qureshi defeated the top-seeded Portuguese pair in a closely fought final to retain the championship for a second consecutive year. The victory marked another significant milestone in Qureshi’s long and distinguished international career. His achievement also underlined his enduring competitiveness on the world stage, even after decades of representing Pakistan at major international events. Pakistan’s medal tally grew further in the men’s 45+ doubles category, where Qureshi and fellow veteran Aqeel Khan combined to secure a silver medal. Their run demonstrated the experience and consistency of Pakistan’s senior tennis players against strong international opposition. The national team also added another silver medal in the men’s 45+ World Team Championship, giving Pakistan a strong finish in the team competition. Aqeel Khan completed Pakistan’s four-medal haul by winning bronze in the 40+ mixed doubles event. His podium finish ensured that Pakistan’s campaign ended with medals across both individual and team competitions. The results in Lisbon are a significant boost for Pakistani tennis, particularly in the Masters categories, where experienced players continue to compete at the highest international level. Qureshi’s successful title defence stands out as the headline achievement, but the combined medal haul highlights the depth of experience within Pakistan’s veteran tennis ranks. With four medals secured, Pakistan’s performance in Lisbon offers a timely reminder that the country’s tennis talent continues to make its mark beyond the domestic circuit.