Dar, Iran FM reaffirm diplomatic cooperation

MADRID: La Liga President Javier Tebas has called on FIFA President Gianni Infantino to step down, accusing world football’s governing body of damaging the sport through controversial decisions and expanding its control over the global football calendar. In an interview with an Italian newspaper, Tebas said he believed Infantino’s leadership had reached its limit and claimed FIFA’s current direction was harming domestic football competitions around the world. The Spanish league chief argued that FIFA was placing too much emphasis on the FIFA World Cup while ignoring the importance of national leagues, which he said provide the foundation of professional football and support thousands of jobs. Tebas criticised proposals to further expand the World Cup, including discussions about increasing the tournament to 64 teams. He said such plans would place unnecessary pressure on players and weaken domestic competitions. He also questioned FIFA’s decision to introduce mandatory hydration breaks during World Cup matches regardless of weather conditions. According to Tebas, the policy was not always necessary and appeared to benefit commercial broadcasting rather than player welfare. The La Liga president also criticised the unusually long half-time show during the World Cup final, saying football should not be altered to accommodate entertainment and commercial interests. Tebas further referred to the controversy surrounding United States forward Folarin Balogun, whose suspension was lifted before a knockout match. He suggested the incident raised serious concerns about FIFA’s decision-making process and governance. He claimed many people within international football privately disagreed with FIFA’s leadership but were unwilling to speak publicly because of the organisation’s political structure. Tebas maintained that football’s future depends on protecting domestic leagues, reducing the growing number of international matches and ensuring that decisions are made in the best interests of the sport rather than commercial considerations

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.